A South Carolina judge allowed a woman convicted of felony animal torture to avoid further incarceration after she left her dog partially wrapped in a plastic bag inside a filthy crate in direct sunlight without food or water.

Shaneitra Berniq Jeter was charged with one felony count of ill-treatment of animals involving torture under South Carolina Code § 47-1-40(B). The offense was punishable by 180 days to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Instead, on Aug. 3, 2026, Judge Eugene C. Griffith Jr. sentenced Jeter under South Carolina’s Youthful Offender Act to a term not exceeding five years, suspended the balance of the sentence, and placed her on probation for 30 months. She was ordered to pay half of her supervision fees and permanently surrender Lil Richard to Melissa Dameron-Vicors.

Jeter was booked into the Union County Jail after her May 2025 arrest and later released on a $50,000 bond. Available records do not establish how long she remained in custody. Her sentence imposed no additional incarceration as long as she successfully completes probation.

The result is a staggering failure to reflect the severity of Lil Richard’s suffering. A felony charge carrying up to five years in prison ended with probation, partial supervision fees, and the surrender of a dog who should never have remained in Jeter’s custody.

Lil Richard Was Left to Suffer in the Sun

On May 23, 2025, the Union County Sheriff’s Office responded after Union County Animal Control reported that a dog was in danger.

Lil Richard was found confined inside a metal crate in direct sunlight without food, adequate water, or access to shade. A plastic bag had been tied around the lower portion of his body, reportedly causing excessive pain and suffering internally and externally.

He was rushed to Triangle Veterinary Clinic with severe injuries. Dameron-Vicors, the veterinary technician who helped him recover, later fostered and adopted him.

Lil Richard survived because concerned people intervened and ensured he received urgent veterinary care. His survival does not diminish the cruelty he endured or the need for meaningful accountability.

Take Action

Please respectfully contact Judge Griffith’s office and state that a suspended sentence fails to reflect the severity of the suffering inflicted on Lil Richard. Urge him to impose meaningful incarceration and every available protective condition in future animal torture cases.

The Hon. Eugene C. Griffith Jr.
P.O. Drawer 10
Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: (803) 321-1430

Judicial Circuit Solicitor Kevin Brackett did his best to secure justice for Lil Richard

South Carolina residents can also find and contact their state legislators. Urge them to strengthen state law by requiring mental health evaluation and treatment and prohibiting people convicted of animal cruelty from residing with or caring for animals.

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