ANQUESHA NAREONTE SMALLS arrested on accusations of evacuating a home and leaving many cats trapped inside without food or water

- South Carolina, USA -

The Charleston Police Department announced the arrest of 34-year-old ANQUESHA NAREONTE SMALLS (pictured).

The Department said in its press release that on July 24, 2026, Animal Control Officers responded to a residence on Pruned Place after receiving reports from neighbors about multiple cats who “appeared to be trapped inside a vacant home.”

Officers learned that SMALLS was the last occupier of the residence and that she vacated it weeks prior leaving the cats inside “for several weeks without adequate food or water”.

Officers obtained and executed a search warrant which led them to discover “animal waste throughout the home, a severe flea infestation, and no available food or water.”

Tragically, the search also led to the discovery of the skeletal remains of twenty cats. Nine cats were found alive and were taken to an emergency veterinary hospital for treatment. Sadly, one of the nine surviving cats was euthanized due to the severity of his/her condition.

The investigation ultimately resulted in SMALLS’ arrest. SMALLS was taken into custody on August 5, 2026, and booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center on twenty-nine counts of ill treatment of animals. A total bond was set at $72,500.

Charleston Police are asking anyone with information related to this investigation to contact the Department at 843-720-2422 and ask to speak with the on-duty Animal Control Officer. Alternatively, please submit your tips via email. Thank you!

Court records show a couple of future court dates for SMALLS. One is scheduled for September 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Charleston County Circuit Court, and the second court appearance is set for January 22, 2027, at 9:30 a.m.

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 Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Charleston Police Department. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

SMALLS’ mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.

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