Gaston man arrested after 17 abused animals rescued from home, Lexington deputies say

A Gaston man was arrested after Lexington County deputies found 17 malnourished animals on his property, according to a statement from the sheriff’s department.

Deputies were called out to the property of Carl Kelly, 55, on the 200 block of Happy Town Road to reports of two horses in poor health, according to the statement.

The horses were reportedly tied with short ropes to stakes in the ground, according to the statement. Deputies also found 13 dogs, a rabbit and a goat, all underfed with little or no access to food, water or shelter.

The animals were quickly rescued, according to the statement. The County of Lexington Animal Services took in the baker’s dozen dogs for treatment, and the sheriff’s department is caring for the horses, goat and rabbit.

Kelly was charged with three counts of ill treatment of animals and drug possession, according to the statement. He was taken to the Lexington County Detention Center, where he paid a $2,500 bond and was released.