The Horry County Police Department tells News13 that two people have been charged in connection to an animal cruelty investigation in the Loris area of Horry County.
On Wednesday morning around 8:15 a.m., officers served a search warrant at a house on Bakersfield Road. There, officers located 30 dogs, many of which were in poor health.
Drug evidence was also found in the home while officers executed the search warrant.
The HCPD Narcotics & Vice team responded and served a second search warrant. During that search, officers located 8.22 grams of cocaine, a Glock 26 9MM handgun and $52,991 in cash.
53-year-old Kimberly Schuler, of Loris, has been charged with 18 felony counts of ill treatment of animals, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and violation of the Horry County dog and cat breeding operations ordinance.
43-year-old Ronald Moore, of Loris, has been charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
News13 talked to a neighbor earlier in the week who said her neighbor was selling puppies that had parvo.
Both remain in custody as of 4 p.m. Thursday at J. Reuben Long Detention Center.
The 30 dogs were taken to the Horry County Animal Care Center (HCACC) to be treated. The HCACC is a no-kill shelter. An isolation unit was set up before the animals arrived to ensure the health and safety of all involved.
Police say preliminary medical evaluations show that all 30 dogs had fleas and dehydration. Four dogs tested positive for parvo, six puppies have lice, and several have intestinal parasites. Others have eye issues, ear injuries, and heartworms.
Three of the dogs are also pregnant.
The dogs are not available for viewing or adoption at this time, according to police, as this case goes through the court system.
Police would like to thank community members, who provided the information needed to conduct the investigation.
