Lexington County Animal Services arrested a man after he allegedly killed multiple cats in the Gilbert area.

Johnathan William Grider was arrested and charged with the ill treatment of animals – a felony charge that could carry up to five years in prison upon conviction.

Lexington County Animal Services received an allegation that Grider killed a cat, and the body was hung in a tree.

Interviews were conducted, and a search of the area was also done during the investigation. During the search, investigators found two dead cats with nooses around their necks. Officers used this evidence to establish probable cause and obtained an arrest warrant.

Last Wednesday (June 15) officers with Lexington County Animal Services and deputies with Lexington County Sheriff’s Department arrested Grider at his home in Gilbert and he was transported to Lexington County Detention Center. Grider was released on June 16, 2022, after his bond hearing was held.

Lexington County Animal Services asks anyone with information on this case or any other cases of animal cruelty to call (803) 785-8149 and press option 4 to be connected to dispatch.