A major figure in South Carolina's animal rescue community was caught for her alleged heinous treatment of animals.
Deputies from the Richland County Sheriff's Office performed a wellness check at the home of Caroline Dawn Pennington on May 22. Complaints came from the neighbors of the 47-year-old CEO and director of GROWL, an animal rescue, that a "smell of death" was emanating from her home.
What officers discovered upon entering the home was truly horrifying. Inside, they discovered 28 dogs and two cats who were dead in the cages they lived in. The 30 animals were in varying states of decomposition.
"They found a disturbing and extreme case of animal cruelty," a release from the Richland County Sheriff's Office read.
"The animals had been deceased for a significant amount of time and, based on the circumstances, appeared to have died from starvation and dehydration. They were lying in their own waste and it is believed that they died in the cages and had not been moved prior to being discovered."
Sheriff Leon Lott said the scene was the worst case of animal cruelty he'd ever laid eyes on. He noted how it was particularly disturbing to discover this scene in the home of someone who was known for her work to save animals.
"It's appalling and it's heartbreaking," he said.
"This is someone who was entrusted by the community to care for these animals and find them homes. She betrayed that trust and she betrayed the trust of these innocent animals who relied on her."
Pennington was charged with 30 counts of ill treatment of animals. She went before a judge and was ultimately released on $75,000 bond, but she must wear an ankle monitor during that release.
Aside from her role as CEO and director of GROWL, Pennington was also affiliated with Kershaw County Humane Society, from which she resigned the day before her arrest. The sheriff's office urges anyone who has donated to GROWL in the last year to contact them, as they are investigating the organization for possible fraud.
"Everyone at KCHS is very distraught and appalled at the charges levied on Ms. Pennington. Our sole mission is to care for all the animals that come in our doors," KCHS said in its statement.
"At this time, to KCHS' knowledge, her charges also do not involve any animals from the Kershaw County Humane Society, but KCHS will continue to research and work with law enforcement on this case."
