Aiken man arrested for dog fighting and improper burial of dead dog

An Aiken man was arrested for dog fighting and animal cruelty.

Anthony Ward, 22, of 988 Colbert Bridge Road, was taken into custody last week after his home was searched by Aiken County Animal Control and SLED agents. During the search, 12 dogs were seized from Ward's property.

Ward is facing multiple charges, including animal fighting, criminal conspiracy, two counts of animal cruelty and failure to properly bury a dead animal. He is currently being held at the Aiken County Detention Center.

Ward was previously charged for an incident on August 11 in which a woman claimed he threatened her with a handgun while driving. Ward fled in a white BMW but was later stopped by officers. A firearm matching the woman's description was found under the passenger seat, leading to additional charges of displaying a firearm and possession of a stolen weapon with a crossed-out serial number.

In 2022, Ward was additionally charged with domestic violence and illegal carrying of a pistol.