MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) – New documents obtained by WMBF News are shedding light on what police found that led to the arrest of a now-former Horry County employee.
County officials said Wednesday that 20-year-old Kaylee Gasque was arrested and charged with eight counts of mistreatment under Horry County’s animal care and treatment ordinance.
Gasque was additionally charged with a count of ill-treatment of animals relating to torture.
A police report obtained by WMBF News states officers from the Horry County Police Department went to Gasque’s home on Nichols Highway on Wednesday to follow up on a report related to ill-treatment of animals.
Officers found two dogs loose on the property, with one of them reportedly appearing to have an eye infection.
Police were able to contact Gasque, who gave them consent to search her property. She told police she had two dogs outside, two inside and another one kenneled in the yard.
She also said another dog was on the property, but it died the day before and she was going to bury it. Police later found the dog “under a lean” and noticed a “smell of decay” according to the report.
Gasque reportedly told police that the dog had been sick, but no medication she treated it with was working.
The report also states the deceased dog “appeared emaciated and no food or water was observed in the area where the dog had access to.” The dog was also found tethered with a chain, with Gasque claiming the dog would climb the fence around the lean.
Officers later entered the home and were told two rabbits were also inside. In the report, officers noted that “animal feces and urine stains” were found throughout the home along with household trash.
Gasque also reportedly told police another dog inside was sick, but was isolated from the other two. Police said the latter two dogs appeared healthy, but one did appear to be underweight and “flea-ridden.”
The sick dog was later brought out of a bedroom and “appeared emaciated,” according to police.
Officers eventually gained a search warrant and animal seizure warrant for the home, which led to Gasque’s arrest and termination from the Horry County Animal Care Center.
County officials said she had been working there since December 2023 and was recently a kennel attendant at the Horry County Animal Care Center.
In its statement, the county also noted that based on the investigation so far “there is no indication of mistreatment of animals in the workplace” by Gasque.
Officials said the investigation remains active and ongoing, adding that more charges are possible.
As of Thursday, Gasque remains at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center and has a bond hearing scheduled for Friday.
Stay with WMBF News for updates.
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