South Carolina parents face child endangerment, animal cruelty charges
A shocking case of child endangerment and animal neglect has emerged in Honea Path, South Carolina, where authorities arrested a couple after discovering their 8-month-old infant living in squalid conditions among 47 neglected animals and a decomposing goat carcass.
Kayla Renard and Nicholas Foley were taken into custody after police conducted a welfare check at their residence. Officers reported finding the home overrun with animals and filled with animal waste, creating hazardous living conditions.
Home contained raccoons, chickens and rotting animal remains
The disturbing discovery included:
- Live raccoons, rabbits, dogs, cats and chickens roaming freely through the home
- A decomposing goat carcass in the bathtub
- More than 40 animals total, many showing signs of malnutrition
- Widespread animal feces creating unsanitary conditions
Despite the horrific environment, authorities reported the infant was in “relatively good condition” and has been placed with a relative.
Officials describe “worst case” of animal hoarding
Honea Path Police Department worked with Dr. Kim Sanders from PAWS animal rescue to remove all animals from the property. In an official statement, police described the scene as one of the worst cases they’ve encountered.
*”In my 30-plus years of service, I have never encountered such a horrific situation involving unsanitary conditions and such a large number of animals,”* a veteran officer stated.