August 28, 2025

Burton Resident Charged in Major Dog Fighting Case

Burton, Beaufort County, August 28, 2025

News Summary

Justinn Moultrie, a 30-year-old from Burton, has been charged with nine counts of animal fighting and nine counts of animal mistreatment following a SLED investigation. Authorities seized ten dogs believed to be used in illegal fights, highlighting a crackdown on animal cruelty in South Carolina. The dogs are now in the care of the Humane World for Animals, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting animal welfare. Moultrie’s father also faces charges related to the incident, as investigations continue.

Burton, South Carolina – Justinn Benjamin Moultrie, a 30-year-old resident of Burton, Beaufort County, has been charged with nine counts of animal fighting and nine counts of ill treatment of animals. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) announced the charges on Tuesday, highlighting the seriousness of the ongoing crackdown on animal fighting in the region.

The investigation that led to Moultrie’s arrest began on August 11, when SLED’s Dogfighting Unit executed a search warrant at a property in Seabrook, Beaufort County. During this search, authorities discovered nine adult dogs and one puppy suspected of being used for illegal dog fighting. A veterinarian’s examination revealed scar patterns on nine of the dogs, consistent with organized dog fighting, raising concerns about their treatment and welfare.

In addition to the dogs, law enforcement officials found additional items associated with dog fighting at the scene, although details about these items remain undisclosed. Moultrie was not present at the property during the initial search but was subsequently arrested by SLED agents on August 26. Following his arrest, he was booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center. The prosecution of the case against Moultrie will be handled by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

The ten dogs seized during the investigation have been placed with the Humane World for Animals, where they will receive necessary veterinary care. This action is part of a larger initiative to combat animal fighting within the state, which included the establishment of a dedicated Dogfighting Unit by SLED in 2023.

Just a week prior to Moultrie’s arrest, SLED petitioned him for costs associated with the care of the ten animals seized from his father’s property. These costs are estimated to be about $31,600. His father, 54-year-old Spencer Lamont Moultrie, also faced legal repercussions when he was arrested on August 11 for one count of animal fighting and one count of animal mistreatment, although he was released without having to pay bail. Reports indicate that nine of the ten dogs taken from Spencer Moultrie’s property similarly displayed signs consistent with organized dog fighting.

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding dog fighting in South Carolina to report tips to the SLED Dogfighting Unit at tips@sled.sc.gov. The ongoing investigations and arrests reflect a heightened commitment to addressing the illegal practice and ensuring the welfare of cases involving animal fighting.

Background Information

Animal fighting, including dog fighting, is a brutal and illegal practice where animals are forced to fight for the entertainment of spectators, often resulting in severe injuries and, in many cases, death. The SLED Dogfighting Unit was created to specifically focus on these types of investigations, aligning with state and national efforts to eradicate animal cruelty and promote humane treatment of animals.

FAQ

What charges has Justinn Moultrie faced?

Justinn Moultrie has been charged with nine counts of animal fighting and nine counts of ill treatment of animals.

What was discovered during the search at the property in Seabrook?

Authorities found nine adult dogs and one puppy suspected of being used for dog fighting, along with items associated with dog fighting.

What happens to the animals that were seized?

The ten dogs seized have been placed with the Humane World for Animals for veterinary care.

How can people report dog fighting in South Carolina?

Anyone with information regarding dog fighting can report tips to the SLED Dogfighting Unit at tips@sled.sc.gov.

Chart: Key Features of the Case

Feature	Details
Defendant	Justinn Benjamin Moultrie
Charges	Nine counts of animal fighting, nine counts of ill treatment of animals
Location of Incident	Seabrook, Beaufort County
Date of Search	August 11
Date of Arrest	August 26
Seized Animals	Ten dogs (nine adults, one puppy)
Care Provider for Seized Animals	Humane World for Animals
Estimated Care Cost	$31,600

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Burton Man Faces Charges for Animal Fighting
Father and Son Charged in Beaufort County Dogfighting Case
Fripp Island Investigates Fatal Fire Incident
Tragic Fire Claims Life of Man and Dog on Fripp Island
Beaufort County Launches Animal Shelter Agreement with Jasper County
Man Charged with Animal Fighting in Beaufort County
Man Arrested for Dogfighting in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Man Arrested for Dog Fighting
Major Law Enforcement Operation Targets Drug Activity in South Carolina

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort 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 Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College 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 Beaufort 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.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort 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 Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College 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 Beaufort 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.

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