DARLINGTON, SC (WBTW) – The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office says deputies found 109 dogs at a home while investigating reports of possible animal neglect and cruelty Wednesday.
Deputies were requested to conduct an animal welfare check at the property located on Rhodes Community Road in Darlington, according to an incident report.
Upon arrival, deputies were approached by a family member of the property owner, who explained she was there to temporarily care for the animals. The family member stated the property owner has been receiving medical care over the past several weeks.
The family member accompanied deputies as they checked on several animals. The report states deputies saw several dogs inside of a home, dozens of animals in a closed carport/garage, and several dogs in a yard area.
“There were dogs in carports that were covered top to bottom in tarps, causing the animals to be exposed to high heat inside the tarps,” the report added.
Following the execution of a search warrant, deputies report they observed 109 animals on the property. The report says the animals were briefly examined, photographed and documented. Two animals were taken from the property due to possible life-threatening conditions and taken to an area vet.
The dogs were relinquished to the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office during a hearing Friday before a Darlington County Magistrate.
The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office has not commented on any possible charges or arrests related to the case.