Thirty Dogs, Cats Found Dead in Cages in Animal Rescue CEO’s Home: Police

Law enforcement arrested the CEO of an animal rescue nonprofit in Columbia, South Carolina, Friday just after finding 30 dead canines and cats in her household.

Officers took 47-yr-previous Caroline Pennington into custody following obtaining the decomposing bodies of 28 puppies and two cats in cages and crates, regional news station WIS-Television claimed.

Pennington, CEO and director of animal rescue corporation GROWL, faces fees of 30 counts of unwell-remedy of animals.

Authorities imagine the animals died of starvation and dehydration and had been lifeless in her home for as lengthy as 9 months, a spokesperson for the Richland County Sheriff’s Department told Newsweek Friday.

Neglected Animals

“The animals had been supposed to be under the treatment of Ms. Pennington and that is her home,” the spokesperson added. “The animals were being neglected by remaining still left alone with no care for several months.”

The sheriff’s department at first responded to studies claiming there was a “smell of loss of life” coming out from Pennington’s household. Authorities mentioned that no residing animals ended up identified inside of.

Investigators mentioned that the animals were discovered lying in their personal squander and had been not taken off from their cages. The sheriff’s department labored with Richland County Animal Management to eliminate the animals.

“It’s appalling and it’s heartbreaking,” mentioned Sheriff Leon Lott, according to WIS-Tv set. “This is someone who was entrusted by the neighborhood to treatment for these animals and find them homes. She betrayed that have faith in and she betrayed the have confidence in of these innocent animals who relied on her.”

Lott added that Pennington is perfectly-regarded in the animal rescue local community and worked with the Kershaw County Humane Culture (KCHS).

A spokesperson for Kershaw County Humane Modern society informed Newsweek that Pennington worked for KCHS considering that 2018 in distinct roles including “most not too long ago” a rescue coordinator, until she resigned on Thursday. Jamie Woodington, president of the KCHS Board of Directors also verified Pennington’s resignation to WIS-Television set.

Humane Society ‘Shocked’

“Earlier today, a former Kershaw County Humane Culture staff was arrested by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office and billed with sick-procedure of animals. To be apparent, these functions did not take place at the Kershaw County Humane Culture facility,” the KCHS posted on Fb on Friday. “We were unaware of the former employee’s actions and are certainly stunned and heartbroken.”

“Our dedicated personnel performs tirelessly, working day-in and working day-out, to give hope and treatment for the shed and homeless animals in Kershaw County, and we will keep on to do so in spite of this unlucky circumstance,” the organization’s spokesperson advised Newsweek.

“At this time, to KCHS’ understanding, her costs also do not involve any animals from the Kershaw County Humane Culture, but KCHS will carry on to exploration and do the job with legislation enforcement on this situation,” mentioned Woodington. “Everyone at KCHS is incredibly distraught and appalled at the prices levied on Ms. Pennington. Our sole mission is to care for all the animals that come in our doors.”

A selection of incidents involving animal neglect have been reported a short while ago, including 4 dogs who died final week in New Smyrna Beach front, Florida, right after their proprietor allegedly remaining them in a car even though she went to eat lunch at a cafe.

Final month, law enforcement in Pennsylvania discovered a malnourished doggy that a witness claimed was deserted by a particular person who drove away just after throwing a ball for the dog to chase.

And in April, a Ga animal shelter rescued 65 pet dogs from an owner that was “overwhelmed” by them.

Update 6/5/22, 1:20 p.m. ET: The tale has been up-to-date to include things like opinions from Kershaw County Humane Society’s spokesperson.