Gaston man accused of mistreating animals

LEXINGTON, S.C. – Lexington County deputies found more than a dozen malnourished animals after acting last week on a community tip to check on two horses in the 200 block of Happy Town Road in Gaston.

Carl Kelly, 55, is charged with three counts of ill treatment of animals and a drug possession charge, according to deputies.

“Deputies followed up on a tip and found two horses in poor health tied to stakes in the ground with short lead ropes,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “After obtaining a search warrant to fully inspect the property, deputies found 13 dogs, a rabbit and a goat.”

All of the animals showed signs of neglect and had little to no access to food, water or shelter, according to Koon.

The Sheriff’s Department is caring for the two horses along with the goat and rabbit. County of Lexington Animal Services seized the dogs for evaluation and treatment.

Kelly was released from the Lexington County Detention Center on $2,500 bond.