Horry County man faces more than 60 charges in connection with animal investigation, police say

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Horry County police arrested a man in connection with an animal investigation conducted last week, police said on Facebook.

Jemar Chestnut, 41, of Longs, was arrested Monday and served with 29 counts of ill treatment of animals and 36 counts of harboring animals for fighting.

Police said they located a number of dogs Thursday while conducting a non-animal related search warrant at a location off Highway 57 South near Wampee.

Officers found 36 pit bulls, and paraphernalia located on the property corresponded with that used for the purpose of dog fighting and breeding, according to arrest warrants.

According to the warrants, police also found 29 pit bulls who had injuries that were consistent with dog-on-dog contact.

The pattern of the scars and wounds on the dogs’ bodies are also consistent with continuous face-to-face dog fighting, warrants show.

The dogs remain in the care and custody of the Horry County Police Department with staff at the Horry County Animal Care Center, according to police.

None of the dogs are up for adoption at this time, police said.

Police said the investigation is still ongoing.