Columbia Police Department (CPD) investigators have arrested two men in separate animal cruelty investigations and continue to look for another suspect.
Joseph Harris (DOB: June 1977) was located this week and charged with Two Counts of Ill Treatment of Animals. South Carolina Code of Law: 47-01-0040 (B)
Harris is accused of not properly taking care of two adult pit bulls while at 1708 Gary Street on October 24, 2018.
CPD officers were dispatched to the home at the request of City of Columbia animal control officers who initially responded to a complaint about dogs and their living conditions.
Officers found that one of the dogs weighed 20.6 pounds and lived inside a wooden crate with a minimal amount of room to move; the dog also had a large logging chain (13.5 pounds) around its neck and was without food or water.
The second dog, that weighed 22.4 pounds also did not food or water and was located in a small enclosed space in a cage underneath the house.
The dogs were taken and cared for by the City of Columbia Animal Services so that they can be available for adoption.
Second Case | 1604 Hergett Drive | September 28, 2018
In a second case, Antonio Lorick (DOB: November 1981) is charged with Five Counts of Ill Treatment of Animals. (Booking Photograph not currently available)
CPD officers responded to 1604 Hergett Drive on September 28th after animal control officers received a call from the National Humane Society regarding an animal cruelty complaint.
Five pit bulls were found emaciated in the backyard of the residence with no food and water. A veterinarian who examined the dogs discovered that the dogs ate dirt and tree bark to survive.
Investigators are searching for Antonio Burkett (DOB: September 1996).
Once arrested, he will be charged with Five Counts of Ill Treatment of Animals. His arrest warrants have been entered into the National Crime Information Center database (NCIC).CPD and the City of Columbia Animal Services are committed to cracking down on animal abuse and has zero tolerance for this type of crime.
Citizens with information about Burkett’s whereabouts are encouraged to contact Crimestoppers in any of the following ways:
CALL toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC.
LOG onto: www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a tip” tab.
DOWNLOAD the new P3 Tips App for Apple or Android devices.