Rock Hill couple facing animal cruelty charges

ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) — A Rock Hill couple has been arrested in connection with a dead pit bull and three other dogs seized by York County animal control officials.

The Herald of Rock Hill reports Tuesday that 32-year-old Artavian Jerome Smith and 29-year-old Ashley Renee Smith were arrested Monday and charged with animal cruelty.

Police say someone called animal control June 12 to say dogs in the couple’s backyard had no shade, food or water. Officers found one dead pit bill at the home. Animal control seized two other dogs that appeared to be in distress.

A family friend told officers that residents were on vacation and had left the animals in care of a relative.

It wasn’t immediately clear if the Smiths had attorneys.

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Information from: The Herald, http://www.heraldonline.com