Two Lexington County individuals have been arrested by Lexington County Animal Services on charges of ill-treatment of animals and practicing veterinary medicine without a license.

Julia Evans Pickett, 29, was initially arrested Dec. 31 and charged with two counts of felony ill-treatment of animals following an investigation into animal welfare concerns at properties she occupied.

Pickett was later released from the Lexington County Detention Center after meeting the conditions of her bond.

In a media release, Animal Services Director Brittany Jones said that the conditions investigators saw on the properties required the removal of all animals for their safety and well-being. All surviving animals were transported to facilities to receive medical treatment and care.

“Some animals had, unfortunately, already died,” Jones said. “More animals might not survive, or might have to be humanely euthanized despite ongoing care efforts.”

Jones added that many animals were found in unsanitary conditions, housed in crates and kennels and inside rooms within the home and other buildings on the properties. 

On Wednesday, Jan. 14, Pickett was arrested on 14 counts related to animal abuse, two counts of failure to bury a dead animal and one count of veterinarian article, according to arrest warrants.

Pickett's boyfriend, Michael Sauer, 41, was also arrested and charged with 11 counts of ill-treatment of animals, one count of failure to bury a dead animal and one count of veterinarian article, arrest warrants state.

Investigators stated they discovered veterinary supplies and drugs restricted by law to licensed veterinarians inside the home.

“In late December, after search warrants were executed at both properties occupied by Pickett and Sauer, animals were found on the properties in varying conditions, injured and dead,” Jones said in Jan. 15 press release. “Many of the animals were found to be housed in unsanitary conditions in feces and urine-filled crates, kennels and inside rooms in the home and buildings on the properties.”

According to the press release, Sauer's veterinarian license has been suspended since May 2025.

“A dog located on the property had received veterinary treatment following an incident involving another animal,” Jones said. “The nature of the medical procedures raised concerns about how the treatment was performed.”

Both Pickett and Sauer are being held at the Lexington County Detention Center as of Thursday afternoon.