3 face more charges after 97 live animals seized from Upstate home

WALHALLA, S.C. (WSPA) – Three Salem residents are facing additional charges of ill treatment of animals after authorities reported 97 live animals were seized from a property in August.

7NEWS previously reported William Andrew Hill, 77, James Thaddeus Gaskill, Jr., 58, and Ann Hill, 71, were arrested at a home on North Little River Road on August 5 after a search warrant was issued due to reports of animals living in unsanitary conditions.

William and Ann Hill were charged with 68 counts of ill treatment of animals while Gaskill, Jr. was charged with seven counts of ill treatment toward animals.

William Hill was also charged with pointing and presenting a firearm at a person.

Reports state the 97 live animals were 77 dogs, nine puppies, two pigs, one goat, two adult cats and six kittens. Fifteen more puppies were born while in the care of Animal Control Deputies.

According to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Ann Hill has been charged with eight more counts of ill treatment toward animals while William Hill faces five additional counts and Gaskill, Jr. faces seven more counts.

After posting a $68,000 bond and being released on August 12, Ann Hill was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center on her new charges on October 11. She was released after posting a $40,000 personal recognizance bond.

William Hill was released on August 9 after posting a $73,000 bond after his initial arrest. He was rebooked on October 11 and released the same day after posting a $25,000 personal recognizance bond.

Gaskill has remained in custody since his initial arrest. His bond stands at $26,875.

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