Horry County Police are investigating what they’re now calling an animal hoarding case.
Lt. Raul Denis with the Horry County Police Department says that on Tuesday Horry County Animal control found more than 35 dogs at a home in Horry County.
Originally, police thought that the animals were part of a puppy mill operation.
The investigation began around 8:15 am Tuesday morning when Horry County Police received a complaint of a possible puppy mill at a home in the 3400 block of Rosario Place in the Loris area.
“Officers investigated and discovered that the resident was not running a puppy mill; however, she had more animals than she could properly care for,” Denis said.
After the investigation, Officers found that the number of animals exceeded the space available, and the homeowner decided to release 19 dogs out of 37 to Horry County, Denis said.
The 19 dogs were transported to the Animal Care Center, where they were evaluated and found to be worm-free and healthy.
The owner, 72-year-old Janie Waddel, was cited for violating the County Animal Care and Treatment ordinance ($1,000); the Litter Accumulation ordinance ($425); and the Rabies Vaccination ordinance ($425).
The owner is scheduled to appear on these charges at the Loris Magistrate’s Office on April 21.
