On May 22, 2022, police officers were called to conduct a welfare check on the home of the CEO of an animal rescue in Columbia, South Carolina after being tipped off that the property “smelled of death.”
The home in question belonged to Caroline Dawn Pennington, the 47-year old CEO of the GROWL organization. When officers arrived on the scene, they were confronted with the sight of the decomposing bodies of 30 dogs and cats.
The animals were found laying to waste in a number of crates and cages. A total of 28 dogs made up the majority of the victims, as well as two felines.
‘A Disturbing And Extreme Case’
According to a statements issued by the county’s sheriff’s department, Pennington’s property contained animals “lying in their own waste, and it is believed that they died in the cages and had not been moved prior to being discovered.”
Dehydration and starvation have been cited as the main causes of death.
Pennington has been charged with 30 counts of ill treatment of animals. The sheriff’s office called her abuse “a disturbing and extreme case of animal cruelty.”
Learn To Spot The Signs Of Animal Cruelty
(Stock Picture Credit: K64End/Getty Images)Pennington’s heinous acts came to light when a concerned citizen tipped off the local sheriff’s office.
Do you suspect that there might be some sort of animal abuse taking place in your own neighborhood? Then here are some of the signs to look out for:
- Animals with obvious flea or tick infestations.
- Animals that are clearly so thin that they are starving.
- A person being physically abusive towards an animal in any way.
- Animals who seem to be kept permanently outside without any shelter.
- Hoarding situations where a property seems to have more animals living there than could be reasonably accommodated.
Please report any suspected abuse or neglect to authorities in your area. Reporting these issues can save lives before there are more situations like this.
Have you ever come across a case of animal cruelty? Have you reported someone to the authorities to stop animal abuse? Then tell us about your experience in the comments section below.
