In wake of animal cruelty allegations, day-long search at Beaufort pet store continues

A warrant served Tuesday morning at a Beaufort pet store after allegations of animal cruelty resulted in a day-long search that was still underway at 4:30 p.m., according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

The search began around 11:30 a.m. at Roy’s Aquarium on Ribaut Road with assistance from Beaufort County Animal Services and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release. The search continued through the afternoon.

Lt. Col. Bill Neill said Tuesday afternoon that the search was continuing and that it would likely be “quite some time” before the investigation was concluded and the scene cleared.

He said more information will likely be available Wednesday.

This story was originally published July 18, 2017 at 1:50 PM with the headline "In wake of animal cruelty allegations, day-long search at Beaufort pet store continues."