Laurens County Sheriff’s Office reported Friday that two men were arrested and charged following a tip that led to a dog fighting operation, Fox Carolina News reported August 14. Thanks to a video shown to Laurens County Animal Control by a concerned citizen on Thursday of what appeared to be a dog fight, officers were able to identify the two men involves and obtain search warrants.
Lt. Robert Haupfear said Laurens County Animal Control turned the video over to deputies, who recognized James Bernard Copeland and Damien Copeland. Deputies searched the Woodbury Drive home of James Copeland on Friday. Seven dogs were seized, and Copeland was taken into custody. Damien Copeland was arrested at his home on Williams Street where more dogs were seized. Haupfear reported the dogs had injuries consistent to dog fighting.
According to the Animal Legal Center, Code 1976 § 16-27-30 & Code 1976 § 16-27-40 states a first conviction is considered a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $500, imprisonment of up to six months or both. Second offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $1,000, imprisonment of one year or both. Third offense or higher is considered a felony punishable by a fine of $5,000, imprisonment for five years or both.
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