Animal Welfare Investigation Leads to Charges in Horry County

Animal Welfare Concerns in Horry County: A Close Look at Recent Events

Hey Myrtle Beach friends! We’ve got some serious but important news to share about a situation that took place recently not too far from our sunny shores in Horry County. The Horry County Police Department made their way to Nichols this past Wednesday following up on a concerning report about ill-treatment of animals.

What Happened?

So, here’s the scoop: When the officers arrived, they spotted two dogs roaming around in a completely fenced-in area. Now, officers reported that one of these pups looked a little worse for wear with some kind of eye infection – think white pus around both eyes. Yikes! It’s always heartbreaking to see our furry friends in distress.

The officers met with a woman named Kaylee Lynn Gasque on the property, who kindly allowed them to enter and check things out. Kaylee mentioned there were two more dogs inside the house, plus one being kenneled in the backyard. But the most concerning part? She said she had a dog that had sadly passed away just a day before, and she intended to bury it that same day. She claimed she had tried various medications to help the deceased dog, but nothing seemed to work.

Signs of Distress

Upon inspecting the situation further, officers discovered that the deceased dog was in really poor shape – it looked emaciated and had no food or water in reach. To make matters worse, the dog had been chained up, which contributed to its unfortunate condition. Kaylee said she used the chain because the dog kept climbing the fence, but the officers felt that this chaining system was not the best idea.

Despite Kaylee’s claims that the dog was alive just days before, the officers had their doubts. The situation was starting to paint a sad picture that couldn’t be ignored.

A Closer Look Inside

When the officers stepped inside the home, they noticed two more dogs and a couple of rabbits in a cage. Thankfully, these animals seemed to be healthy and full of energy. However, one of the dogs was still looking underweight and had fleas. Not ideal, right?

As the officers continued their examination of the residence, they sadly came across animal feces and urine stains scattered throughout the home. Not exactly a happy habitat for our furry companions!

Taking Action

Realizing the gravity of the situation, officials swiftly decided to take action by obtaining consent from Kaylee to take the deceased dog to the local animal shelter for examination and a cause of death. They didn’t stop there—after securing a search warrant, they managed to carry out an animal seizure. Overall, this meant taking into custody six live dogs, two deceased dogs, two live rabbits, and one deceased rabbit.

Charges Filed

Due to the alarming conditions, Kaylee Lynn Gasque has been charged with seven counts related to the care and treatment of animals, which includes serious allegations of ill-treatment and, in some cases, torture. This is no small matter, and it really brings attention to the importance of treating our pets with love and respect.

In Closing

As we wrap things up, we hope this story encourages all Myrtle Beach pet owners to check in on their furry friends and ensure they are living their best lives! It takes but a moment to show kindness, and let’s face it—our pets deserve all the love in the world. Stay safe and take care of your furry family!