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LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) – A Lexington County couple is being charged in connection with an animal abuse case involving more than 100 animals.
Records show 29-year-old Julia Pickett was booked at the Lexington County Detention Center on Wednesday on 14 counts related to animal abuse. Her boyfriend, 41-year-old Michael Sauer, was also arrested Wednesday and charged with 11 counts of ill-treatment of animals.
Both are also each charged with a veterinarian’s article violation as well as failure to bury/burying improperly.
Pickett was initially arrested on Dec. 31, 2025, on two counts of ill-treatment of animals and was released on bond.
An incident report obtained by WIS states Pickett’s first arrest came after animal control and deputies from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department searched a home on Narrow Way. Sauer was identified in that report as a homeowner with Pickett, but was not arrested or charged at the time.
Officials said a tip was called in about potential animal abuse at properties reportedly owned by Pickett and Sauer. Lexington County Animal Services said some animals recovered from their properties had already died, while others may have to be euthanized despite efforts to provide care.
“Many of the animals were found to be housed in unsanitary conditions in feces and urine-filled crates, kennels and inside rooms in the home and buildings on the properties,” Lexington County Animal Services Director Brittany Jones said in a statement.
Jones also said that “a large number of veterinary supplies and drugs restricted by law for use only by a licensed veterinarian” were also found at their home.
Authorities said Sauer’s veterinarian license has been suspended since May 23, 2025. It wasn’t immediately clear if Pickett had a license.
As of Thursday afternoon, records show Pickett and Sauer are being held at the Lexington County Detention Center.
This is a developing story. Stay with WIS for the latest.
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