Woman arrested after 98 animals found living ‘without food or water’ at Oconee Co. home

OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — A woman was arrested Tuesday evening after allegedly mistreating 98 animals.

According to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, animal control officers received a complaint on March 11 for a welfare check on animals living at a home on Highlands Highway at West Broad Street in Walhalla.

The tip reported a “foul odor,” a dead animal on the property, and animals being kept on hard surfaces.

By March 13, a search warrant was executed for the property. At the home, officers found 98 animals living in unclean conditions, without food or water.

A dead sheep was also found on the property.

Officials found 13 sheep, 27 rabbits, one cat, one sugar glider, three chinchillas, six pigs, three geese, one black dog, two white dogs, one blue Doberman, four goat,s and 36 chickens at the home.

A chocolate Labrador running near the home was also seized, but it was determined the dog does not belong to the suspect, identified as 44-year-old Jacqueline Suzanne Price Sequoia.

All of the animals were taken to the Oconee County Animal Shelter and are receiving proper food, water and shelter.

Officials said some animals required medical attention.

Officers secured 98 arrest warrants against Sequoia for ill treatment of animals; 40 of which are felony charges and 58 are misdemeanor charges.

Sequoia was arrested Tuesday after deputies pulled her over for a traffic stop on Bountyland Road near Chetola Road in the Bountyland Community. She was booked at the Oconee County Detention Center around 6:20 p.m.

The charges against Sequoia will be tried in General Sessions Court.

The sheriff’s office is still investigating the case at this time.