South Carolina animal rescue CEO arrested after 30 dead animals allegedly found in her home

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A South Carolina animal rescue director has been arrested after 30 dead animals were allegedly found in her home.

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WIS says Caroline Dawn Pennington, 47, who is the CEO and director of the nonprofit animal rescue, GROWL, was arrested by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department for animal abuse after 30 animals were allegedly found dead in cages and crates.

According to WIS, RCSD received a call that there was a “smell of death” coming from inside Pennington’s home.

WYFF says once deputies arrived at the home, they found 28 dogs and two cats decomposing in cages and crates. WIS says according to deputies, it appeared that the animals died from starvation and dehydration.

RCSD told WIS that the animals were dead for some time so most of the animals were in a state of advanced decomposition. No living animals were found inside the home.

Pennington turned herself in to RCSD, according to WYFF. They say at the time of her arrest, Penington was also employed by the Kershaw County Humane Society, in addition to operating GROWL.

WYFF says Richland County Animal Control assisted RCSD with removing the deceased animals from the home. RCSD asks if you or anyone you know made a donation to GROWL in the last year to contact them.

Pennington has been booked on 30 recommended charges of animal abuse, according to the RCSD website.

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