Man charged with ill treatment to animals

JAMES KESLER Cherokee County Animal Control Officers had to euthanize a pit bull that was so severely malnourished and dehydrated it was on the verge of death.

"It's a shame that people don't take better care of their animals than that," said Cherokee County Animal Control Officer Mike Pearson. "Then it's up to us to get the dog and euthanize it."

The officers also seized five other pit bulls, including two puppies Thursday morning that were in poor condition with no food or water, Pearson said.

Pearson has cited James Terrell Kesler, 26, of 3048 Old Georgia Hwy., Gaffney, with ill treatment to animals.

Employees of the Gaffney Board of Public Works alerted authorities about the poor conditions of the animals that were chained and caged outside the mobile home at 3048 Old Georgia Hwy., Gaffney.

The five dogs will remain at the Cherokee County Consolidated Animal Shelter until the charge against the owner is resolved.

Anyone aware of animals being neglected or mistreated should call the Cherokee County Consolidated Animal Shelter at (864) 487-8529.