South Carolina parents face serious charges after police discovered their 8-month-old child living among 40 animals in a home filled with trash, feces, and a decomposing goat in the bathtub.
At a Glance
- Kayla Renard and Nicholas Foley were charged with unlawful conduct toward a child and ill treatment of animals in Honea Path, S.C.
- The home contained over 40 animals including raccoons, rabbits, dogs, cats, and chickens living among waste and debris
- A decomposing goat was found in the bathtub
- The 8-month-old child was removed and placed with a relative
- Police Chief Chris Miller described it as “one of the most horrific scenes” in his 30-year career
Horrific Discovery During Welfare Check
Honea Path Police Department officers responded to a residence following a request from the Department of Social Services for a welfare check. What they discovered was a scene of extreme neglect that shocked even veteran law enforcement officers. The home, deemed completely unfit for habitation, contained an 8-month-old child living among dozens of animals in conditions that posed immediate health and safety risks.
“Once my officers went inside, they discovered just piles of trash and animal feces. There were several different types of animals running around,” said Honea Path Police Chief Chris Miller. “Raccoons, chickens, cats, dogs. There was a dead goat in the bathtub in the bathroom that had been decomposing for several days.”
The residence contained over 40 animals, both alive and deceased, with animal waste scattered throughout the living spaces. The conditions were so severe that immediate intervention was required to remove both the child and the surviving animals from the property. PAWS (Piedmont Animal Welfare Society) assisted in safely removing and relocating the animals.
Parents’ Disturbing Reaction
Perhaps equally disturbing as the living conditions was the apparent indifference displayed by the parents during the intervention. Police Chief Miller noted the unusual calmness of the parents as authorities removed their child and documented the deplorable conditions. Their lack of emotional response raised additional concerns about their understanding of parental responsibilities.
“Sitting there calm and really no emotion. No facial expressions,” Miller said. “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 scene was so disturbing that Chief Miller, who has three decades of law enforcement experience, described it as “one of the most horrific scenes” he had encountered in his career. The contrast between the severity of the conditions and the parents’ apparent lack of concern highlighted the urgency of the intervention.
Legal Consequences and Child’s Welfare
Kayla Renard and Nicholas Foley were both arrested and charged with unlawful conduct toward a child and ill treatment of animals. They were booked into the Anderson County Detention Center with $10,000 surety bonds set for each. Reports indicate that Foley posted bond on Tuesday, while Renard remained in custody.
“It was just one of the most horrific scenes that I’ve ever been a part of in 30 years,” Miller said.
The 8-month-old child was safely removed from the home and placed in the care of a relative under state supervision. This case represents an intersection of child neglect and animal cruelty that authorities take extremely seriously, as both reflect a profound disregard for the welfare of dependent beings. The child will remain in protective custody as the legal proceedings against the parents continue.
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