Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced today the arrest of three men in connection with the neglect of dogs, with dog fighting and drugs.

Sheriff Leon Lott stated that on January 27, 2008 a uniform patrol deputy found four deceased dogs at the end of Cora Drive (29203) - the uniform deputy believed that the dogs had come from 123 Cora Drive and that further investigation needed to be taken into the conditions that the dogs had been living in. Sheriff Lott stated that over the last week investigators have been looking into who owns the homes where the dogs were being housed and who is responsible for the horrible conditions that the dogs were living in. Investigators seized eight dogs, baiting apparatus for training dogs how to fight, videos on how to train dogs to fight and information obtained from the internet by the suspects on how to fight dogs. Sheriff Lott stated that during the investigation deputies found, at two separate locations (123 Cora Drive and 135 Chadwell Road) a total of fourteen dogs, several weapons that were confirmed stolen out of the City of Columbia, cash, marijuana and horrendous conditions for animals, let alone people. Sheriff Lott added that the neglect and cruel treatment of animals is disgusting – that law enforcement across South Carolina sees cases of this nature that undoubtedly are coupled with other crimes like drugs, guns and gambling and that this is another example of this horrible truth.

The investigation will continue into who else may be involved in this case and Sheriff Lott wishes to remind all citizens that if you have any knowledge about animal cruelty or neglect cases {or any criminal activity} that you can call crimestoppers at 888-559-tips. Sheriff Lott stated that all tips and information will be taken seriously and will be looked into.