Investigators: Man, woman charged with Ill-Treatment of Animals, Practicing Veterinary Medicine without a License

Lexington Co., S.C. (WOLO)– Investigators with Lexington Co. Animal Services say a woman and her boyfriend were arrested after hundreds of animals were found in deplorable conditions on two properties.

Officials say they are accused of ill-treating various species of animals and practicing veterinary medicine without a license

According to investigators, Julia Pickett, 29, and Michael Sauer, 41, were arrested on Wednesday.

“In late December, after search warrants were executed at both properties occupied by Pickett and Sauer, animals were found on the properties in varying conditions, injured and dead,” said Brittany Jones, director of Lexington County Animal Services. “Many of the animals were found to be housed in unsanitary conditions in feces and urine-filled crates, kennels and inside rooms in the home and buildings on the properties.”

Officials say a large number of veterinary drugs not authorized for use inside the home were also found on the property.

Sauer previously had a veterinary license but investigators say it expired in May.