My Ex Bf Took My Cat During A Breakup Behind My Back

LOCATION: SC

Hello! Long story short, me (23f) (and now my ex bf(23m)), split up a few days ago after being together for 3 years. This split happened while I’m on a work trip back to NY. We share an apartment in both of our names (im head of household on lease, he’s considered a roommate). He’s removed from the lease effective today and I’m now the sole person on the lease.

We have two cats (P is under my name, H is under his name). I briefly stated he could take P heat of the moment (over text), but I realized that was a big mistake, so I called him and texted him that I don’t consent and that I take back with what I said.

Today, while he was moving out, I kept asking where the cats were. No response within 2 hours, then he covered the front door ring camera (suspicious), and I called a neighbor to remove the tape, but it was too late. He finally responded and said “I kept P for myself and left H for you, like you said,” over text. I also have texts from the past how he wanted to get rid of H bc of her urine habits (which are no longer). BTW, I’m still out of state as I type this. Also he left his old set of keys with my neighbor, who’s now watching H until I come back tmrw.

What is my legal stand with this in SC? Can I file a police report? If that goes no where, can I bring this to court? I have printed text messages back from November how he didn’t want H and wanted to get rid of her and texts circulating from the past few days how he’s taking P no matter what. I tried to compromise an agreement and do split custody, but he took her without my consent! And was sneaky and covered the ring camera! Also all vet bills are in my name. I have all the paper work for BOTH CATS adoption. My flight is tomorrow and I want to jump into action IMMEDIATELY once I get off that plane.

Please help!