9TH CIRCUIT SOLICITOR

Q:The prosecution of animal cruelty cases is important for the safety of people and animals in our community, yet it appears the Solicitor’s Office still does not have a dedicated animal cruelty prosecutor since at least the last election. If you are elected/re-elected as Ninth Circuit Solicitor, what would your plan be to prosecute animal cruelty cases and reduce the number of non-guilty verdicts and significant animal cases being referred to diversion programs for resolution? As part of your answer, please share any ways that you would plan to engage Charleston Animal Society working toward solutions and better outcomes on animal cruelty and animal related cases.

DAVID OSBORNE (D)

9th Circuit Solicitor Candidate: Sadly, when children are involved in animal cruelty cases, they often displace anger toward animals. On a recent tour of Charleston Animal Society, I learned of the Compassion Initiative, which teaches children love through interactions with shelter animals. The 9th Circuit will be a future partner and participant in this program.

As Solicitor, I will ensure animal cruelty cases are handled with the same urgency as other crimes of violence. I will assign a lead and secondary prosecutor who will have primary duties that include prosecution of these cases. Having dedicated trained prosecutors who aren’t afraid to stay in the fight will get better results and make our community safer. These prosecutors will be in direct contact with representatives from Charleston Animal Society before resolution.

SCARLETT WILSON (R)

9th Circuit Solicitor (Incumbent): As the lover of two spirited pups, I appreciate the hard work of the Charleston Animal Society and am committed to ensuring the safety of animals and the prosecution of those who commit animal cruelty acts. My commitment to the latter is evident in the great work of our office. Since 2020, my team has convicted over 72% of defendants as charged, for related charges or more serious charges. Conversely, just 4 defendants’ charges were diverted in favor of their rehabilitation. The remainder of defendants had their cases dismissed for insufficient evidence or because a co-defendant took responsibility. As long as I remain the Solicitor, animal cruelty will continue to be taken seriously. Many thanks to CAS for helping keep the sweetest of souls safe.