Man Charged with Animal Cruelty and Unlawful Firearm Possession in Spartanburg

In Spartanburg, a man faces charges for Animal Cruelty and Unlawful Possession of Firearm

In a shocking incident that unfolded this Saturday in Spartanburg, a man found himself on the wrong side of the law for not only allegedly assaulting his own pet but also for possessing a firearm unlawfully.

The File of Events

A woman driving down Highway 357 reported witnessing a horrifying scene. She claimed to have seen a man walking a pit bull on a leash. What seemed like an everyday sight quickly turned disturbing as she reported seeing the man lift the leash and begin punching the unsuspecting dog. This ghastly incident sparked immediate concern and a flurry of calls were made reporting the man’s violent action towards the dog.

Upon receiving this information, the deputies sprang into action, worked their leads and were eventually able to locate the man. When the authorities confronted him, the man seemed nonchalant about his actions and simply said, “you can have her,” regarding his pet.

The Troubling Twists

When asked for his identification and if he was carrying a weapon, the man admitted to having a gun. Oddly enough, he claimed, “it don’t shoot though…I’m not allowed to have a gun, that’s why it’s in my pocket.” The gun, identified as a 22LR Imperial Metal Model 9 revolver, was allegedly not the man’s, but rather, according to him, it was left at his house by someone else.

This unexpected twist led to the man’s arrest and later identification as 47-year-old Michael Jason Hart. As for the beaten pit bull, Spartanburg County Animal Control stepped in and took over the animal cruelty investigation. They issued two citations to Mr. Hart.

Past Charges Come to Light

A deeper investigation into Hart’s history revealed a troubling blast from the past. It appears that Hart was previously charged in 2001 on a drug offense and was convicted in 2002 as a registered sex offender. These prior charges flagged Hart as ineligible to own a firearm, making his possession of the 22LR Imperial Metal Model 9 revolver unlawful.

Ultimately, Hart was booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm. This event served as a grim reminder that violating the law and engaging in cruel and harmful behavior towards animals carries severe legal consequences.

As the story of Michael Hart unfolds, it leaves many in the community disturbed and concerned. Violating laws and causing harm to innocent animals is not taken lightly and justice is being served. The battle for the safety and wellbeing of the man’s pet pit bull is now in the capable hands of Spartanburg County Animal Control.

Respect for the Rights and Welfare of All

This unfortunate incident serves as a stern reminder about the penalties inherent in abusing animal rights, and the consequences of violating laws. The community, while shocked, stands hopeful that justice will be served and such incidents will inspire stronger legal protection and community responsibility towards animals.