Police in South Carolina have detained a couple after they allegedly found their infant growing up surrounded by more than 40 dirty animals and trash, including a decaying goat.
A news release from the Honea Path Police Department posted on Facebook stated that on Monday, May 19, police responded to the Department of Social Services’ concerns that Kayla Renard and Nicholas Foley had left their 8-month-old infant in a “unsafe environment.”
After authorities “discovered severe unsafe and unsanitary conditions” in the residence, the baby was subsequently put with a relative.
“Officers found the residence infested with numerous animals, including raccoons, rabbits, dogs, cats, chickens and deceased animals,” per the news release. “Animal feces and waste are throughout the residence.”
Police added, “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 decaying goat was discovered in the bathtub, however the authorities did not reveal the number of deceased animals discovered inside the house. The “alarming” circumstance prompted them to seek help from Dr. Kim Sanders of PAWS.
“The child is OK. The child was in pretty good condition for the unsanitary conditions of the house, Chief Christopher Miller said.
Nicholas Foley and Kayla Renard were accused of violating town ordinances, mistreating animals, and engaging in unlawful behavior against a kid.
When the parents were detained, Miller told Fox Carolina, they showed no signs of emotion.
“Sitting there calm and really no emotion. No facial expressions,” Miller said, according to Fox Carolina. “You would think that they’d be a little upset that someone was taking their eight-month-old baby, that the police were there and discovered the horrific conditions of this house. You would think that they would have to know that they were in trouble.”
The site claims that $10,000 surety bonds were issued to both Renard and Foley. On Tuesday, Foley posted bond.
A dead baby goat was discovered in a Tupperware bin in the kitchen, one of six dead animals discovered on the property. The animals were “covered in feces, severely dehydrated, and the majority of them were extremely emaciated,” according to Sanders.
