The owner of the 34 dogs seized by the Columbia Animal Control & Rescue Center has requested a hearing in an effort to have the canines returned.
The hearing has not been set yet, according to the Marion County Justice Court.
On May 14, the Southwest Marion Volunteer Fire Department and members of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a mobile home fire at 974 Pickwick Road in Foxworth. The fire was allegedly intentional over a dispute involving the dogs.
Daron Lee, 24, 1518 Barnes St., Columbia, has been charged with arson of a dwelling - first degree, which is a felony. In addition, his uncle Lonnell Pittman was arrested on the same day charged with five counts of animal cruelty.
Sheriff‘s deputies at the scene observed several dogs at the location and contacted the Columbia Animal Control & Rescue Center. The animal control center filed an affidavit in Justice Court and on the afternoon of May 14 seized the six dogs whose health appeared worse than the others. The following Monday, May 18, members of the Columbia Police Department and the animal control center gathered the remaining 28 dogs.
Also found at the location was a ring and a running wheel. Lee’s brother, Devon Lee, said the ring was a maternity ring.
Daron Lee said in a previous interview that he was a legitimate dog breeder.
If the court rules in favor of returning the dogs, the judge could order Daron Lee to pay for the costs of seizing the dogs, medical care received and boarding the dogs while in the custody of the animal control center.
