Nearly 30 dogs found chained and scarred in South Carolina woods. Two men now face charges.

Two men from Sumter County, South Carolina, face multiple charges following the discovery of nearly 30 dogs being kept in dire conditions. The animals were found chained up in the woods, many exhibiting visible injuries and scars, raising serious concerns about their welfare.

An investigation launched by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), in collaboration with the Sumter Police Department and the Sumter County Sheriff's Office, took a significant step on February 21. Authorities placed a surveillance camera on a property along Goodson Road which captured footage of the suspects, 35-year-old Justin Jermaine Rhodes and 38-year-old Fuqron Nelson.

During the investigation, Rhodes reportedly confessed to police that he and Nelson had been contracted to feed the dogs every two to three days. This information has raised alarms about the adequacy of care provided to the animals and the overall ethical treatment of them in their living conditions.

Law enforcement officials are now pursuing several criminal charges against both suspects, aiming to address the neglect and suffering endured by the dogs. The case underscores the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and the need for vigilant oversight and enforcement of animal welfare laws.

The local community is now concerned about the welfare of the dogs and the broader implications of such treatment. Authorities are likely to continue monitoring the situation and addressing any future incidents to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in the region.