Two York County women, including a sheriff deputy, charged with ill-treatment of animals: SLED
YORK COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Two York County women have been arrested and charged with ill-treatment of animals.
On May 16, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged Amari Anne Mitchell, 27, and Kaitlyn Johnson, 26, on two counts of ill-treatment of animals as well as burying a dead animal improperly and criminal conspiracy.
Mitchell, who is a York County deputy, was arrested after animal control was called to her residence in regard to an animal complaint.
According to arrest warrants, the Animal Control Officer witnessed a very malnourished Goldendoodle named Axel on the property. When the ACO talked to Mitchell on the phone, she told him that the dog had a vet appointment on May 12.
The vet examined Axel and euthanized him.
Part of the vet's report said, 'Axel's decline and starvation occurred over a long period of time (months) and he suffered a great deal. My clinical suspicion is high for long-term neglect. Unfortunately, given Axel's level of emaciation, dehydration, and shock, his prognosis was grave and he was humanely euthanized to end his suffering.'
Warrants say that Johnson and Mitchell violated the South Carolina Code of Laws by failing to bury a deceased animal at least three feet underground. The animal carcass was found near the rear fence gate of her backyard during the execution of a search warrant on their home.
Documents also show that the pair also had a small Maltese locked in a small hallway closet marked 'Dog Room' with no lighting, water or minimal air circulation. Officials say the temperature in the closet was warmer than 75 degrees.
The backside of the door had significant scratch marks, indicating the dog's efforts to escape. Sandpaper was placed on the interior of the door, which Johnson states was intended to prevent the dog from scratching the door.
Following Mitchell's arrest, she was placed on administrative leave without pay, pending an internal review of the incident. She had served as a deputy for two years.
Mitchell and Johnson were booked into the York County Detention Center.
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