WALHALLA, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office said three people are facing animal abuse charges after more than 70 animals were found living in living in unsanitary conditions Monday.
Deputies said the incident happened at a house on North Little River Road near Easy Road August 5, at around 11:43 a.m.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, during the search the man presented a gun while in the presence of an Animal Control officer, a deputy and veterinarian.
Deputies said they found six kittens, one cat, two pigs, one goat, nine puppies and 60 dogs in the house.
The man then barricaded himself inside a room while officers and the veterinarian were able to leave the home unharmed.
SWAT was later called to the scene and negotiators were able to make contact with the man and he surrendered without incident at around 1:26 p.m.
After he surrendeered, the man was examined by a paramedic on scene. The man was identified as 77-year-old William Andrew Hill. Deputies also took 58-year-old James Thaddeus Gaskill and 71-year-old Ann Hill into custody.
Hill is also facing one count of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person.
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