Lexington Man Charged for Neglecting Dogs, Leaving them without Food or Water for Weeks
LEXINGTON, South Carolina (SC) – A Lexington man has been charged with animal cruelty following the discovery of five dogs left unattended and deprived of food or water for approximately two weeks. Among the neglected animals, three were found dead when investigators arrived at the scene.
The Tragic Case
Animal Services personnel arrested 40-year old Robert John Jachim on Tuesday after finding the dogs in horrific conditions at his Corley Street residence. Revealing unspeakable neglect, Jachim allegedly left for an unverified location on July 2, leaving his dogs caged and vulnerable, without providing provisions for their sustenance.
Upon the discovery, four of the dogs were found locked inside wire cages, tragically, two among them already succumbed to the deplorable conditions. An additional small dog was found dead within a bedroom in the house.
Rescuers Rush to Save the Survivors
The surviving dogs, severely malnourished and weak, were immediately transferred to Pawmetto Lifeline for urgent care and rehabilitation. According to Brittany Jones, the director of animal services, the dogs are receiving extra nutrients but admitted they were “severely emaciated.” The poor creatures were so starved that they initially refused to eat.
Currently, the staff at the rescue center aiding Lexington County Animal Services is assisting the struggling animals in their movement and providing a strict feeding regimen. Pawmetto Lifeline is expected to continue the long-term care and recovery plan for the two dogs.
Criminal Charges
Responsible for this egregious act of cruelty, Robert John Jachim now faces five counts of ill treatment of animals. Following his arrest, he was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center. A judge has since set his bond at $5,000.
Lexington County Animal Services maintains a dedicated team of officers and investigators on staff and is actively seeking more personnel commited to animal welfare. This case, highlighting the potential for severe animal abuse, was handled by the department’s cruelty investigators.
This shocking incident has ultimately raised the questions about the priorities of animal welfare and the severe consequences of pet neglect.
