Over 400 Animals Found on Property, Multiple People Charged

On July 16th at approximately 2PM, Laurens County Animal Control responded to Hope Road in Gray Court in reference to checking the condition of horses. Animal Control deputies observed multiple malnourished horses without access to water or food. Many had severely overgrown hooves and their teeth were in poor condition. There were hogs on the property that were underweight with no water or food present. Rabbits, hens, and dogs were also observed to have no access to water. Many roosters were tethered to the ground by leashes with no access to water. A large barrel containing multiple deceased chickens was discovered, as well as dead chickens allowed to decay on top of a cage. In total, over 400 animals were found on this property, to include 12 horses, 30 dogs, approximately 356 chickens, 4 hogs, 3 piglets, and 8 rabbits. In addition, many items located on the premises led investigators to believe there was a Cockfighting operation being conducted.

Robert Milton Kellett III and Tina Messer Hurley, both of the home, were arrested without incident and charged with the following:

- Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (Vehicle stolen out of Simpsonville located on scene)

- Receiving Stolen Goods (License plate stolen out of Spartanburg located on scene)

- Trafficking in Meth

- 19 counts of Ill Treatment of Animals, Torture

- 1 count of Ill Treatment of Animals, Overworking

Kellett is also being charged with Criminal Conspiracy for his involvement in the Cockfighting.

Jeffery Justice Dale Williams, of the home, is currently in the custody of Spartanburg County and will be charged with:

-19 counts of Ill Treatment of Animals, Torture

-1 county of Ill Treatment of Animals, Overworking

-Criminal Conspiracy

Heidi Tenille Mathes and Jacky Dean Yopp Jr. of Enoree were arrested and both charged with Distribution of Meth.

This case required an extensive and thorough investigation. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office for their involvement, as well as the Charleston Animal Society, Anderson County PAWS, the Humane Society of the United States, and two private citizens for their assistance in removing these animals from this property, evaluating them, and providing necessary care.