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Fourth felony charge added in dead pit bulls case

Latest count stems from a pit bull who was so weak and malnourished authorities initially thought it was dead.

By DANIEL BROWNSTEIN dbrownstein@islandpacket.com 843-706-8125

Published Saturday, August 11, 2007 in The Island Packet | 264 Words | news/local

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A greater Bluffton man accused of animal cruelty now faces a fourth felony charge for having three dead pit bulls and another 12 injured and emaciated dogs at his home.
James D. Ling, 28, of 25 Kindlewood Lane, was charged with another felony animal cruelty count, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office announced Friday. The new charge stems from a pit bull that was found on July 27 so weak and malnourished authorities initially thought it was dead, said Lance Cpl. Robin McIntosh.
Ling also faces 11 misdemeanor animal cruelty charges and 15 counts of not vaccinating dogs for rabies, as well as a weapons violation and a charge of simple possession of marijuana. He was initially charged with 30 misdemeanors on Aug. 2, but three of the charges were upgraded to felonies Wednesday.
The 12 live pit bulls found at his home were euthanized because of their aggressiveness and various health conditions.
Authorities suspect they uncovered the remnants of a dog fighting operation, but said they could not prove it. A search of the home uncovered two treadmills, a spring pole used to strengthen dogs' jaw muscles, heavy chains, animal medication, nutritional supplements, syringes and an empty money bag, according to a sheriff's report.
The investigation is ongoing.
Earlier in the week, a spokesman for the South Carolina Attorney General's Office said a state dog fighting task force may prosecute the case.
Ling is being held at the county jail on a $53,190 bond. If convicted of all of the animal-related charges, he could spend up to 23 years in jail and be fined more than $20,000.