Horry County police made a fourth arrest in a months-long inquiry into an alleged dogfighting operation in Longs. Officers seized 58 dogs from four properties; many animals were found emaciated, chained and bearing scars consistent with fighting. Byron Chestnut, 38, faces 25 counts of animal ill-treatment; three other suspects arrested in April face conspiracy charges. The dogs are now in the care of a North Carolina rescue and the probe remains active.
Fourth Arrest in Horry County Dogfighting Probe — 58 Dogs Seized, Suspect Faces 25 Cruelty Counts
Police said 58 dogs have been removed from four properties in the Longs area of Horry County in connection with an alleged dogfighting ring operation. Provided/Horry County Police Department Facebook
A fourth arrest has been made in a months-long investigation into an alleged dogfighting operation in the Longs area of Horry County.
Arrest and Charges
Horry County police say Byron Chestnut, 38, was arrested on Sept. 16 and is charged with 25 counts of animal ill-treatment and torture. Police allege Chestnut and three other suspects ran a dogfighting operation spanning multiple properties.
Scope of the Operation
Investigators say the alleged ring involved at least five properties; officers seized a total of 58 dogs from four sites. Earlier in the investigation, searches of properties along Sunny Heights and Rainbow Drive uncovered 19 dogs that officers say were being starved and kept in inadequate conditions. A separate search of a Babe Lane property recovered 39 dogs described in public records as living in "deplorable conditions" and showing scarring and other signs consistent with dogfighting.
Suspects Previously Arrested
Three other suspects were arrested in April and face additional charges, including criminal conspiracy. They are identified as Jachym Evans, 20; Themontres Livingston, 24; and Jemar Chestnut, 44. Police say many of the dogs found at the Babe Lane property were linked to Jemar Chestnut.
Police said 58 dogs have been removed from four properties in the Longs area of Horry County in connection with an alleged dogfighting ring. Provided/Horry County Police Department Facebook
Animal Conditions and Rescue
According to arrest warrants and public records, dogs at the properties were often chained with inadequate shelter, deprived of food and water, and appeared visibly emaciated. Investigators reported protruding hip and rib bones on several animals, and temperatures at the time of recovery reached as high as 92 degrees. Many animals showed scarring and other evidence consistent with dogfighting.
A North Carolina–based dog rescue organization is caring for the seized animals while investigations continue.
How the Investigation Began
The probe began after a tip to the Horry County Police Department's Environmental Services division from a concerned community member. Police say the investigation remains active and that additional arrests or charges are possible.
HCPD: "HCPD appreciates the continued efforts of the officers, investigators, animal welfare partners and other agencies working to ensure the safety and well-being of these animals."
Note on records: Police reports state Chestnut was arrested Sept. 16; online jail records list a release date of Sept. 14 and show he was charged in mid-September. Officials have said the investigation is ongoing.
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