A Rock Hill mother and son are now facing over 20 criminal charges after investigators uncovered evidence of dogfighting at their York County property.
Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division executed a search warrant on January 6 as part of an ongoing dogfighting investigation. Authorities arrested Thalia Lavonne Feemster, 67, and her son, Corey Dezette Hardin, 35, both of Rock Hill.
According to investigators, Feemster told agents the 11 dogs found on the property belonged to her son. During the search, agents located multiple items commonly associated with dogfighting. Several dogs had open wounds, oral trauma, and signs of malnourishment.
A veterinarian examined the animals and determined their scarring was consistent with dogfighting injuries.
Feemster was charged with the following:
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Ill Treatment of Animals (Torture)
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Criminal Conspiracy
Hardin was arrested on January 9 and faces a significantly longer list of charges:
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10 counts of Animal Fighting or Baiting
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10 counts of Ill Treatment of Animals (Torture)
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Criminal Conspiracy
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Possession of Firearms or Ammunition by a Prohibited Person
Both suspects were booked into the Moss Justice Center.
The case will be prosecuted by the 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Authorities have not released details about the dogs’ current condition or where they were taken following the investigation.
