Burton, South Carolina, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Justinn Moultrie, a resident of Burton, has been charged with multiple offenses related to animal fighting after a raid revealed a dogfighting operation at his property. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division found nine adult pit bull-type dogs and one puppy in poor conditions. Moultrie faces nine counts of animal fighting and ill treatment of animals. His father was also charged in connection to this case, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat dogfighting in South Carolina.
Burton, South Carolina: Justinn Moultrie Charged with Multiple Animal Fighting Offenses
Justinn Moultrie, a 30-year-old resident of Burton in Beaufort County, has been charged with multiple offenses related to animal fighting following a raid conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Dogfighting Unit on August 11, 2025. The charges against Moultrie include nine counts of animal fighting and nine counts of ill treatment of animals.
The SLED operation uncovered a dogfighting ring at Moultrie’s residence, where investigators discovered nine adult pit bull-type dogs and one puppy. Evidence of organized dog fighting was found, with nine of the dogs showing scar patterns consistent with professional dog fighting practices. Additionally, various items associated with illegal dogfighting were seized during the raid.
Although Moultrie was not present at the time of the raid, SLED agents arrested him in a separate action shortly thereafter. The dogs that were taken from the property are now under the care of the Humane World for Animals, where they are receiving necessary veterinary treatment.
Co-Indictment and Broader Context
Along with Justinn Moultrie, his father, 54-year-old Spencer Lamont Moultrie, was also apprehended in the same operation, facing one charge of animal fighting and one count of animal mistreatment. The dogs were found chained outside in a dirt clearing, equipped only with makeshift shelters, highlighting the deplorable conditions in which they were kept.
This case fits into a larger initiative by law enforcement in South Carolina to combat illegal dogfighting activities—a problem that has been gaining attention and action since the establishment of the SLED Dogfighting Unit in 2023. This focused effort aligns with recent improvements in the state’s animal protections, as South Carolina received recognition as the “most improved” state in animal protection laws by the Animal Legal Defense Fund in 2024.
As an ongoing effort to address such crimes, SLED encourages the public to report any information regarding dog fighting in South Carolina by utilizing their email tip line dedicated to the Dogfighting Unit.
Visual Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Justinn Moultrie (30) |
| Charges | 9 counts of animal fighting, 9 counts of ill treatment of animals |
| Raid Date | August 11, 2025 |
| Dogs Discovered | 9 adult pit bull-type dogs, 1 puppy |
| Father’s Charges | Spencer Lamont Moultrie (54) charged with 1 count of animal fighting, 1 count of animal mistreatment |
| Animal Care | Dogs placed under care of Humane World for Animals |
| SLED Dogfighting Unit Formation | Established in 2023 |
| State Recognition | Most improved state in animal protection laws, 2024 |
FAQ
What charges is Justinn Moultrie facing?
Justinn Moultrie is facing nine counts of animal fighting and nine counts of ill treatment of animals.
What prompted the raid on Moultrie’s property?
The raid was part of an investigation by the SLED Dogfighting Unit, which revealed evidence of an organized dogfighting operation.
What was discovered during the raid?
Investigators found nine adult pit bull-type dogs and one puppy, along with items related to dog fighting and evidence of ill treatment.
What happened to the dogs?
The dogs seized during the raid are currently under the care of the Humane World for Animals, where they are receiving veterinary treatment.
How can the public help in reporting dogfighting activities?
Anyone with information regarding dog fighting in South Carolina can report it via the email tip line established by SLED’s Dogfighting Unit.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Animal Services Faces Urgent Shelter Crisis
Beaufort County Residents Arrested in Drug and Gun Violence Case
Beaufort County Man Faces Charges for Animal Fighting
Burton Resident Charged in Major Dog Fighting Case
Burton Man Faces Charges for Animal Fighting
Father and Son Charged in Beaufort County Dogfighting Case
Beaufort Police Department Releases Sensitive Information
Beaufort County Launches Animal Shelter Agreement with Jasper County
Man Charged with Animal Fighting in Beaufort County
Man Arrested for Dogfighting in Beaufort County
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort Co Man Charged with Animal Fighting
- Wikipedia: Dog Fighting
- Live 5 News: SLED Charges Beaufort County Man
- Google Search: Animal Fighting Law
- Island Packet: Beaufort Man Charged with Dog Fighting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Rights
- Your Island News: Burton Firefighters Rescue
- Google News: Dog Fighting South Carolina
- NBC News: Harris Trump Final Election Stretch
