Couple Arrested After Baby Found Living Among 47 Neglected Animals and Rotting Goat
A couple from South Carolina, USA, has been jailed after authorities uncovered their 8-month-old baby living in appalling and hazardous conditions surrounded by dozens of neglected animals and a decomposing goat carcass.
Kayla Renard and Nicholas Foley were arrested on Monday after the state’s Department of Social Services (DSS) tipped off Honea Path police regarding potential child endangerment and unsanitary living conditions.
A welfare check at the couple’s residence revealed a disturbing and squalid environment unfit for both human and animal habitation.
According to officials, the home was overrun with 47 animals—including raccoons, rabbits, dogs, cats, and chickens—many of which were confined in filthy cages stacked atop each other.
Animal feces and waste covered much of the interior, and a decaying goat carcass was discovered in the bathtub.
Authorities reported that no food or water bowls were in sight, and the overwhelming stench of feces and ammonia made it nearly impossible to breathe.
Dr. Kim Sanders, director of Anderson County PAWS, described the scene as “absolutely disgusting and incredibly depressing,” adding that many animals had not been let out of their cages for days, possibly even weeks.
Food bowls were infested with maggots, and garbage littered nearly every surface.
Police described the situation as “one of the most horrific cases we’ve encountered in more than three decades.”
Photos taken inside the home confirmed the extent of the neglect.
Despite the unimaginable living conditions, the 8-month-old infant was found to be in relatively good health and was promptly removed from the home. The child has since been placed in the care of a family member.
“Thankfully, the baby is okay,” said Honea Path Police Chief Christopher Miller. “Considering what officers found in that house, it’s a miracle the child was unharmed.”
Authorities said the house on Shirley Avenue would likely be condemned and declared uninhabitable.
Renard and Foley now face multiple criminal charges, including unlawful conduct toward a child and the ill treatment of animals. Further legal proceedings are pending.
Couple Arrested After Baby Found Living Among 47 Neglected Animals and Rotting Goat