AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) – The search is on for suspected animal abuser and burglar in Aiken County. Staff at the animal shelter believe the suspect has committed crimes there for more than a year.
“It’s an ongoing case with the Sheriff’s Office. It has been going on since 2019, February to be exact,” said Bobby Arthurs, shelter manager.
Six, large, female dogs have been taken. Five have been found on shelter property.
Arthurs said, “See which dog he wanted to pick. Found a dog in a kennel and decided to vandalize our outside kennels. Break our latches and break into the kennel and basically took our dog.”
The most recent burglary happened August 30th where a dog was found to be raped or sexually abused the next morning.
“We suspected that our medical team has evaluated the dog and there appears to be some bruising in the vaginal part of the dog. Yeah, highly suspect it that it’s happened,” explained Arthurs.
The suspect is described as a black male, 5’8” to 5’10”, 135 to 155 pounds, unknown age.
Arthurs said, “He has not breached inside the shelter. He has not tried to breach inside the shelter. He only takes the animals from the outside kennels.”
Security is being beefed up at the animal shelter and the dog that was hurt is doing better.
Arthurs added, “She’s been adopted. She has heartworms. We’re trying to keep her in a room isolated because she’s going through the heartworm treatment and so we have to hold her for another week or so.”
If you have any information about the incidents call the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 648-6811. You can remain anonymous through Midlands Crime Stoppers. You could earn $1,000 for your crime tip.
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AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) – The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community’s assistance to identify a subject that is believed to have burglarized the Aiken County Animal Shelter on multiple occasions.
Dating back to February 2019, the unknown subject has gained access to the animal shelter six times after hours and removed a dog from its kennel, with the latest incident occurring on August 30th.
After each incident, shelter staff have located the dogs on property with the exception of one dog.
During the most recent incident, shelter staff observed vaginal trauma on the dog the following morning.
The subject is a black male, dark hair, 5’8” to 5’10”, 135 to 155 pounds, unknown age.
If anyone has any information on the identity or whereabouts of this suspect contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 648-6811.
You can provide information anonymously through Midlands Crime Stoppers. Your tip could earn you a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for any crime.
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