NOTE: The above video is a livestream of WIS featuring current newscasts, Soda City Living and Gray Media’s Local News Live.
LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) – A Lexington County woman recently arrested after more than 100 animals were removed from her property is back behind bars.
Records show 29-year-old Julia Pickett was booked at the Lexington County Detention Center on Wednesday on 14 counts related to animal abuse. She 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.
Notably named in the incident report was 41-year-old Michael Sauer, who was also booked into jail on Wednesday on 11 of ill-treatment of animals.
Officials said a tip was called in about potential animal abuse at two properties reportedly owned by Pickett.
Lexington County Animal Services said some animals recovered from Pickett’s property had already died, while others may have to be euthanized despite efforts to provide care.
The surviving animals were taken to various facilities and are receiving care.
Sauer and Pickett were each additionally charged with a veterinarian’s article violation as well as failure to bury/burying improperly. More details on those charges were not made immediately available.
As of noon Thursday, records show Pickett and Sauer are being held at the Lexington County Detention Center. WIS has reached out to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department for more information on their arrests.
This is a developing story. Stay with WIS for the latest.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
