Following complaints about stinky and foul smell, police discovered 30 dead dogs and cats inside the home of an animal sanctuary's CEO.
Caroline Dawn Pennington, 47, was detained on Friday after 28 dog corpses and two rotting cats in cages were discovered. Pennington, the CEO and Director of GROWL, an animal rescue non-profit headquartered in South Carolina, has been charged with 30 charges of animal cruelty.
Thirty Dead Dogs, Cats Found in South Carolina Home
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott described the horrifying sight as one of the worst cases of animal cruelty he has ever seen. The animals died of hunger and dehydration.
They were discovered lying in their waste, and investigators believe they had been neglected in their cages for up to nine months based on the level of decomposition. Pennington was a well-known personality in South Carolina's animal rescue sector, according to authorities.
She worked for the Kershaw County Humane Society in addition to operating GROWL. That is no longer true. Pennington is also being investigated for probable fraud, even though GROWL is a recognized non-profit organization. Anyone who has donated to GROWL in the last year is encouraged to contact the Richland County Sheriff's Department, Daily Star reported.
Pennington was detained at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center after turning herself in on Friday. She has been charged with 30 charges of Animal Abuse. She appeared in front of a judge and was granted a $75,000 bail on the condition that she wear an ankle monitor.
According to investigators, Pennington also worked for the Kershaw County Humane Society. "At this point, to the best of our knowledge, her accusations do not involve any Kershaw County Humane Society animals, but KCHS will continue to study and collaborate with law enforcement on this matter," Jamie Woodington told WAFB.
She stated that the humane society was unaware of Pennington's allegations until Friday. Woodington had resigned as KCHS's president the day before for personal reasons. It is unclear whether Pennington has retained legal counsel to issue a statement on her behalf, as per People.
Another Case of Animal Cruelty in US
Meanwhile, a Sutter County couple has been charged with animal abuse and neglect after deputies from the Sutter County Sheriff's Office retrieved 63 animals from their house in May. Sutter County Sheriff's investigators executed a search and seizure warrant in Pleasant Grove on May 24, 2022, based on alleged animal abuse and neglect.
Sutter Animal Services Authority, Sutter County Sheriff's Office, and Sutter County Code Enforcement removed 63 animals from the Pleasant Grove house, including 39 dogs, 13 horses, 7 cats, and four exotic birds.
Under the care of Lynette Kim Countryman-Dunivan, 50, and Chad Damon Dunivan, 51, the animals reportedly lacked sufficient shelter, sustenance, and veterinary treatment. Following the raid, the couple was detained on suspicion of a variety of felonies, including animal cruelty.
As reported- by deputies, on June 1, 2022, the Sutter County District Attorney's Office filed 19 criminal charges against the Sutter County couple. Deputies said the investigation is still ongoing as they gather additional evidence. The Sutter County Sheriff's Office said anybody with information on this inquiry can contact Deputy Arbaugh at marbaugh@co.sutter.ca.us, according to ABC10.
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