York County deputies seize 13 pit bulls from suspected dog fighting

YORK, S.C. — Deputies charged a York County man after stumbling upon more than a dozen dogs believed to be used for fighting.

York County deputies said that on June 6, while they were searching for a burglary suspect on an unrelated call, they found 13 pit bulls at a property on Prairie Hill Road in York.

Eleven of the dogs were on chains tied to the ground by car axles and deputies said eight of the dogs had severe scars and open wounds.

Animal Control was called to the property and a veterinarian examined the animals and said the scarring and wounds were consistent with dog fighting.

On Monday, deputies obtained warrants on Frankie Lee Starnes, Jr. for ill treatment of animals and dog fighting, among other charges.

Starnes signed an owner surrender to Animal Control and all 13 dogs were removed.

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