Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Westminster Woman on Multiple Animal Control Charges

Amanda Morene Barnes

(Walhalla, SC)————————————–The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Westminster woman yesterday on 14 charges related to an investigation conducted by Animal Control Officers.

33 year old Amanda Morene Barnes of S. Piedmont Street was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center around 4:34pm. Barnes was released from the Detention Center today after receiving a combined $15,225.00 personal recognizance bond.

In the month of January of this year, Animal Control officers had attempted to conduct a welfare check on animals located at Barnes’ residence. On January 24th, Animal Control officers were given consent to view the animals. Animal Control officers noted that the animals smelled of feces and based upon evidence that was obtained, believed that the conditions inside the house were unsanitary.

On January 25th, Animal Control officers obtained a search warrant for the residence. During the execution of the search warrant, the officers and deputy’s on scene detected a smell of feces and urine. The officers and deputy’s observed unsanitary conditions inside of the home as well.

Animal Control officers seized eight animals, seven dogs and a cat, from the residence. Based upon evidence obtained during the investigation, Animal Control officers obtained six charges against Barnes for failing to provide proof of rabies vaccinations for six of the animals. Barnes was also charged with eight counts of a Violation of the Animal Control Ordinance for not providing clean and sanitary living conditions for the animals.

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office encourages our citizens to report any suspected abuse of animals for further investigation. Citizens can contact the Sheriff’s Office through the non-emergency line at 864-638-4111. Suspected animal abuse can also be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, via the Oconee County Crimestoppers website at www.oconeesccrimestoppers.com or through the free P3 app which can be downloaded to your cell phone.