MONCKS CORNER, SC – The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office announced this morning that arrests have been made in an animal abuse case after 66 Chinese Shar Pei dogs were rescued from a residence at 1249 Old Dairy Road in Summerville operating as a makeshift kennel. The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office began its investigation on March 10th.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted in its investigation by Berkeley County Animal Control, who originally referred the case to the Sheriff’s Office, and Doc Williams of the SPCA.
During the course of the investigation – detectives met with three veterinarians from Animal Medical West, the Charleston Animal Society and Trident Technical College to review each animal’s case to determine which injuries and diseases were the result of neglect and inbreeding and which were the result of natural illness.
The investigation has led to charges being filed against 45-year-old Tracy Humbert Lamere and 45-year-old John Christopher Barnett of 1249 Old Dairy Road and 63-year-old Michael Duane Lauer and 69 year-old Susan Knisely Lauer, formerly of 1249 Old Dairy Road.
Each of the defendants has been arrested and charged with 21 counts of Ill Treatment of an Animal, a felony punishable by 180 days to 5 years in prison and a fine of $5,000.
According to shelter officials, the dogs lacked basic veterinary care, and a large number suffered from inherited traits that result in hearing loss and blindness when left unchecked. The wrinkles, they say, that make this breed’s face so adorable can grow faster than the skull and cover the eye. When this happens, it can require entropion surgery to expose the eyes.
Prior Story:
66 Shar-Pei Dogs Turned Over To Berkeley Co. Shelter
FINALLY SOME JUSTICE FOR THOSE DOGS!