A Message from Sheriff Scott Hammonds

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has received several questions and requests for information regarding an Animal Neglect and Abuse case that was reported in 2024.

On September 10, 2024, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to a property, located off Sidney Rd. in Belhaven, to assist Beaufort County Animal Control with an Animal Cruelty investigation.

Beaufort County Animal Control responded to the property after receiving a report from a concerned resident regarding the health of horses on the property. The Officer with Animal Services found one horse on the ground, unable to get up. The officer immediately requested a veterinarian of care to respond and requested assistance from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

A Deputy and a Detective responded to the scene and began a joint investigation with Beaufort County Animal Control. The veterinarian responded and conducted an examination of the downed horse. Unfortunately, the veterinarian concluded the need for euthanasia. Beaufort County Animal Control obtained ownership of the remaining four horses and one donkey through the owner surrender process and transported them to a foster facility where they received proper medical treatment.

Over the following weeks, Investigators collected evidence and conducted interviews with all parties involved at that time. The investigation revealed that the horses were transferred to multiple locations and ownerships over the previous months. Detectives concluded that the neglect of the animals had occurred in Martin County.

Upon concluding these facts, the findings were discussed with Beaufort County Animal Control, a division of the Office of Emergency Services. The investigative report and findings were forwarded to Martin County Animal Control for consideration of the alleged offenses that occurred in their jurisdiction. Beaufort County Animal Services obtained misdemeanor charges for the violations which occurred in Beaufort County.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to its mission through the A.C.E. of Hearts initiative to bring justice to those who bring harm to our Animals, Children, and Elderly populations.

Sheriff Hammonds asks anyone with information regarding suspected animal abuse or neglect to contact Beaufort County Animal Control at 252-946-4517. You can also submit tips anonymously by contacting Beaufort County Crime Stoppers at 252-974-6400 or by submitting your confidential tip through the P3Tips App at www.p3tips.com/195.