SLED charges 2 people with Animal Fighting, Ill Treatment of Animals

Image: SLED

Darlington, SC (WOLO) — The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has charged two people from Darlington County with a laundry list of charges including Animal Fighting, or Baiting, Ill Treatment of Animals, and Criminal Conspiracy.

Authorities say 45 year old Jasmine Williamson and 48 year Romano McDaniel were taken into custody after SLED says they discovered a total of 13 dogs at a Darlington County home. According to a warrant,  some of the animals had visible scars officials say are consistent with dog fighting. SLED says two of the dogs were in “incredibly poor condition” and euthanized as a result.

Officials say they were able remove 8 dogs and and 5 puppies that were taken to a veterinarian to be checked out in hopes of eventually helping them be adopted to good homes. SLED Chief Mark Keel released a statement saying,

“Dogfighting will not be tolerated in South Carolina,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “It is cruel and
undermines the safety of our communities. Law abiding citizens do not find amusement or profit in the ill
treatment of animals. SLED is committed to working together with our local, state and federal partners to
combat dogfighting.”

Williamson and McDaniel have been booked into the Darlington County Detention Center waiting for the case to be prosecuted by the 4th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.