Animal Welfare Concerns in Horry County: A Close Look at Recent Events
Hey Myrtle Beach friends! We’ve got some serious but important news to share about a situation that took place recently not too far from our sunny shores in Horry County. The Horry County Police Department made their way to Nichols this past Wednesday following up on a concerning report about ill-treatment of animals.
What Happened?
So, here’s the scoop: When the officers arrived, they spotted two dogs roaming around in a completely fenced-in area. Now, officers reported that one of these pups looked a little worse for wear with some kind of eye infection – think white pus around both eyes. Yikes! It’s always heartbreaking to see our furry friends in distress.
The officers met with a woman named Kaylee Lynn Gasque on the property, who kindly allowed them to enter and check things out. Kaylee mentioned there were two more dogs inside the house, plus one being kenneled in the backyard. But the most concerning part? She said she had a dog that had sadly passed away just a day before, and she intended to bury it that same day. She claimed she had tried various medications to help the deceased dog, but nothing seemed to work.
Signs of Distress
Upon inspecting the situation further, officers discovered that the deceased dog was in really poor shape – it looked emaciated and had no food or water in reach. To make matters worse, the dog had been chained up, which contributed to its unfortunate condition. Kaylee said she used the chain because the dog kept climbing the fence, but the officers felt that this chaining system was not the best idea.
Despite Kaylee’s claims that the dog was alive just days before, the officers had their doubts. The situation was starting to paint a sad picture that couldn’t be ignored.
A Closer Look Inside
When the officers stepped inside the home, they noticed two more dogs and a couple of rabbits in a cage. Thankfully, these animals seemed to be healthy and full of energy. However, one of the dogs was still looking underweight and had fleas. Not ideal, right?
As the officers continued their examination of the residence, they sadly came across animal feces and urine stains scattered throughout the home. Not exactly a happy habitat for our furry companions!
Taking Action
Realizing the gravity of the situation, officials swiftly decided to take action by obtaining consent from Kaylee to take the deceased dog to the local animal shelter for examination and a cause of death. They didn’t stop there—after securing a search warrant, they managed to carry out an animal seizure. Overall, this meant taking into custody six live dogs, two deceased dogs, two live rabbits, and one deceased rabbit.
Charges Filed
Due to the alarming conditions, Kaylee Lynn Gasque has been charged with seven counts related to the care and treatment of animals, which includes serious allegations of ill-treatment and, in some cases, torture. This is no small matter, and it really brings attention to the importance of treating our pets with love and respect.
In Closing
As we wrap things up, we hope this story encourages all Myrtle Beach pet owners to check in on their furry friends and ensure they are living their best lives! It takes but a moment to show kindness, and let’s face it—our pets deserve all the love in the world. Stay safe and take care of your furry family!
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
