An Aiken man has been arrested on charges related to dogfighting and animal cruelty.
Anthony Ward, 22, of 988 Colbert Bridge Road, was taken into custody last week following a search of his home conducted by Aiken County Animal Control and SLED agents. During the search, twelve dogs were seized from Ward’s property.
Ward faces multiple charges, including animal fighting, criminal conspiracy, two counts of animal mistreatment, and failure to properly bury a dead animal. He is currently held in the Aiken County Detention Center.
Ward was also previously charged in an Aug. 11 incident where a woman alleged that he threatened her with a handgun while she was moving. Ward fled in a white BMW but was later stopped by deputies. A firearm matching the woman’s description was found under the passenger seat, leading to additional charges for pointing and presenting a firearm and possession of a stolen gun with a scratched-out serial number.
In 2022, Ward faced separate charges for domestic violence and unlawful carrying of a pistol.
