LONEY LEROY GARRETT arrested – Thirty five dogs rescued from his property and the bones and skulls of four deceased animals discovered as a result of an investigation

- South Carolina, USA -

Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis announced the arrest of 77-year-old LONEY LEROY GARRETT (pictured).

On June 22, 2025, an investigation into multiple violations involving the care and treatment of animals led deputies to GARRETT’s residence in Goose Creek.

Deputies discovered thirty-five dogs living in “deplorable and unsanitary conditions”, according to the sheriff’s press release. The poor souls were found confined in feces-filled crates with urine-soaked wooden boards. They had no access to clean drinking water or adequate food, and their water buckets were filled with dirty, feces-contaminated liquid.

After executing a search warrant, deputies further discovered “the bones and skulls of four deceased animals, including two skulls buried just below the surface”.

Investigators learned that GARRETT had brought the dogs to South Carolina from Tennessee without the required health certificates or proof of rabies vaccinations.

The sheriff’s office said none of the dogs were found to be properly inoculated for rabies.

The furvictims were removed from the property. Berkeley County Animal Control and the Charleston Animal Society are caring for them and providing veterinary care.

GARRETT was charged with thirty-five counts of ill treatment of animals, thirty-five counts of no rabies inoculations, and four counts of improper burial.

GARRETT’s son is also being charged with one count of ill treatment of animals.

Sheriff Lewis said in a statement: “These were not just violations of the law, these were acts of cruelty and neglect that put both animals and our community at risk. Our Animal Cruelty Investigator, along with Berkeley County Animal Control and the Charleston Animal Society spent hours at the property to rescue the dogs that were in poor living conditions.”

The investigation is ongoing.

On a separate note, WCSC reports that in August 2014, GARRETT pleaded guilty to ten counts of animal cruelty in connection with a 2013 incident. Officials had found at GARRETT’s property forty-five dogs in poor condition and the remains of two-hundred dogs.

Originally, GARRETT faced forty-three counts of animal cruelty, but thirty-three counts were dropped. GARRETT was convicted in 2015 and sentenced to two years in prison and five years of probation.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. 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.

GARRETT’s mugshot shared from the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office

Pictures shared from Charleston Animal Society

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