West Columbia man charged with ill treatment after allegedly dragging dog along Lexington County highway

Justin Keith Allred, 32, of West Columbia was arrested on March 9 in connection with an animal cruelty incident that was reported in early January.

Photo: Lexington County

LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)–  Lexington County deputies have arrested a man with multiple warrants from Lexington County Animal Services for the ill treatment and abandonment of animals, said officials.

Justin Keith Allred, 32, of West Columbia was arrested on March 9 in connection with an animal cruelty incident that was reported in early January.

According to arrest warrants from Lexington County Animal Services (LCAS), a dog was on a leash when it was pushed out of a car that was traveling along South Lake Drive.

When the dog was pushed out of the car, the leash got stuck in the door and the dog was dragged about one-quarter of a mile by the car, according to witnesses.

Then officials said the dog was left on the highway at the intersection of South Lake Drive and Platt Springs Road as the car drove away.

During the incident the dog received multiple injuries but has since made a full recovery. Allred was identified during the investigation and warrants were issued for his arrest.

He was arrested in the West Columbia area by Lexington County deputies after they identified him while responding to a separate incident.

Allred is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center.