Emerson Phillips
The CEO of a South Carolina animal rescue was arrested on animal cruelty charges after 28 dogs and 2 cats were found dead inside her home.
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The Richland County Sheriff’s department responded to a report of ‘the smell of death’ coming from the home of Caroline Dawn Pennington, 47. The animals were found in various cages and crates, and had most likely died from starvation and dehydration.
Pennington was employed by GROWL 501{c}3 non-profit animal rescue mission and reigned her position at the Kershaw County Humane Society (KCHS) the day prior to her arrest. She was booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center and released on a $75,000 surety bond.
KCHS released a statement of their obvious surprise.
“We were unaware of the former employee’s actions and are truly shocked and heartbroken. Our dedicated staff will continue with our mission to serve the lost and homeless pets of Kershaw County,” it read.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott called it one of the worst cases of animal cruelty he has ever seen. The animals had been dead for quite some time and their bodies were in a state of decomposition.
Lott said Pennington betrayed not just the animals, but the public trust as well.
“This is someone who was entrusted by the community to care for these animals and find them homes,” Lott said. “She betrayed that trust and she betrayed the trust of these innocent animals who relied on her.”
The sheriff’s department is asking anyone who made a donation to GROWL in the last year to contact the sheriff’s office.
