This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

Charges have been filed against a South Carolina woman who allegedly put a dog partially in a plastic bag and left him in a crate in the sun without food or water. Demand maximum penalties in this case!

In May, the Union County Sheriff's Office found Shaneitra Berniq Jeter was responsible and charged her with ill treatment of animals in general, torture.

Deputies, who met with Animal Control at Triangle Veterinary Clinic, where the dog was treated, reported he experienced “excessive pain and suffering.” Now named Lil Richard, the veterinary technician who aided in his recovery is fostering him through his recovery and hopes to adopt him. Richie has undergone surgeries and has been treated with the medicines and hands-on care so vital to his recovery.
 

We are thrilled to report that videos of him playing with other dogs, helping take the wash out of the dryer, and more are now available on the Justice for Union Puppy Facebook page.
 

Jeter is facing up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. While South Carolina law doesn't require mental health evaluation and treatment, the presiding judge may so order it. We will be directing the prosecutor to insist on a court-ordered mental health evaluation and treatment for Jeter.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Maximum Sentencing for Woman Who Abused Dog

I am writing to you in support of the prosecution of Shanitra Berniq Jeter, who was arrested by the Union County Sheriff’s Department on May 24, 2025, and charged with “ill treatment of animals, torture” for the horrifying condition her dog, now named Lil Richard, was discovered in.

Jeter allegedly put Lil Richard partially in a plastic bag and left him in a filthy crate in the sun without food or water. Deputies reported he experienced “excessive pain and suffering.”

South Carolina Statute § 47-1-40(B) reads “Ill-treatment of animals; torture, torment, needlessly mutilates, cruelly kills, or inflicts excessive or repeated unnecessary pain or suffering upon an animal.” This subsection makes it a felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine, and the judge may, and should, order a mental health evaluation and treatment.

I support a no plea deal for Jetter, maximum sentencing, and that the guardianship of Lil Richard be immediately and permanently awarded to Melissa Vicars, who is fostering him, unless it has already been transferred.

Please share my letter with the presiding judge for sentencing. I will be following this case until adjudication.

Thank you for your service to your jurisdiction and your determination to bring justice in all cases.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.