FOUNTAIN INN, S.C. — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy today announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for the shooting deaths of at least five dogs found along rural roads in Greenville County, South Carolina.
According to sheriff’s office reports, deputies discovered three dogs on McKittrick Bridge Road Extension on Dec. 27 and two others near railroad tracks on Cioffi Road. All had been shot, and none bore collars or microchips, making it difficult to identify owners or trace the perpetrator.
“This is an utterly senseless act of cruelty and a stark reminder that we must do everything in our power to protect animals from senseless and malicious violence,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. “We urge anyone with information about who is responsible to come forward. These acts of malice toward animals are often precursors to criminal attack on people..”
Animal Wellness Action encourages community members to report tips directly to Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty by calling 864‑271‑5210.
“These dogs were left where others could see them — someone out there has information about what happened,”Pacelle added. “A reward can make the difference in securing crucial tips and holding the perpetrator accountable.”
Animal Wellness Action stands ready to work with law enforcement, prosecutors, and animal protection partners to ensure that justice is served and that anyone responsible for these killings faces meaningful consequences under South Carolina law.
Animal Wellness Action is also pressing for stronger federal enforcement capacity to combat animal cruelty, citing the close link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans. The Animal Cruelty Enforcement (ACE) Act, H.R. 1477, would create a team of dedicated prosecutors to work with local and federal authorities to enforce anti-cruelty laws, and the FBI Animal Cruelty Taskforce Act, H.R. 3683, would establish a specialized policing unit within the FBI to focus on animal cruelty crimes. The South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association has endorsed the FIGHT Act, H.R. 3946 and S. 1454, to crack down on dogfighting and cockfighting crimes.