COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) announced on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, that it has charged a Chester County man, Justin Elazer King, 31, with two counts of Ill Treatment of Animals. The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into the alleged torture of two pit bull-type dogs.
King was booked into the Chester County Detention Center on Friday, December 12, 2025, following the issuance of arrest warrants on December 10, 2025. The case will be prosecuted by the 6th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Details from the Arrest Warrants
The warrants, signed by Judge James Gill Knox IV, detail the basis for the charges, which occurred on or about December 3, 2025, and thereafter, at King’s residence in Chester. Both counts are categorized as “Animals/Ill treatment of animals in general, torture,” violating S.C. Code of Laws, 47-1-0040(B).
Allegations for both counts (Dog 1 and Dog 2) state that:
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Electronic monitoring data confirmed a pit bull-type dog was present at King’s residence and belonged to, or was under the care of, King.
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The dogs were tethered by a chain and had been provided inadequate housing that failed to protect them from the elements and freezing temperatures.
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Surveillance on multiple dates indicated both dogs were repeatedly subjected to these conditions and were consistently tethered to a fixed point, which reasonably caused unnecessary pain and suffering.
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Electronic monitoring data distinctly placed King at the dogs’ small living area on December 3rd.
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The affidavit asserts that King would have had knowledge of the dogs’ presence and suffering and, “by acts of commission or omission, failed to provide adequate care for the dog”.
The affiant for both warrants was Sammantha D Tyson, an officer with the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
SLED’s investigation into the matter is active and ongoing. Anyone with information on this case is urged to submit tips to SLED at [email protected] and/or call (866) 472-8477.
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