South Carolina Couple Arrested After Baby Found Living in Filthy Home with 47 Animals and a Rotting Goat

In what local authorities are describing as one of the most disturbing cases they’ve seen in decades, a South Carolina couple has been arrested after their infant daughter was found living in appalling conditions—surrounded by dozens of animals, filth, and at least one decomposing carcass.

The Honea Path Police Department responded to a welfare check at a residence on May 19, 2025, following a referral from the South Carolina Department of Social Services. The report expressed grave concern for an 8-month-old girl allegedly living in hazardous conditions with her parents, Kayla Renard and Nicholas Foley.

When officers arrived at the home, located in Honea Path, they were met with what they later described as a scene straight out of a nightmare. According to a statement from the department, the residence was “overrun with animals” and was in such a severe state of neglect that the air inside the home was nearly unbreathable.

“The smell hit us before we even stepped inside,” said Honea Path Police Chief Christopher Miller. “I’ve been doing this job for over three decades, and I have never encountered such a revolting and heartbreaking environment involving a child.”

Inside the home, officers discovered a staggering total of 47 animals living among piles of waste, feces, and filth. These included 25 dogs, three cats, six chickens, five raccoons, and two rabbits. Shockingly, police also found a goat carcass in an advanced state of decomposition inside the bathtub, along with another dead baby goat stored in a Tupperware container in the kitchen.

According to investigators, animal excrement coated the floors, and the entire property was infested with pests. The ammonia levels in the air were so intense that even seasoned professionals reported physical discomfort. “The ammonia burned our eyes immediately upon entry,” said Dr. Kim Sanders, Director of Anderson County PAWS, who was called in to assist with the animal rescue.

Dr. Sanders added that many of the animals were “severely malnourished, dehydrated, and visibly traumatized.” She emphasized that although the animals are now receiving medical attention, their emotional recovery could take far longer. “This wasn’t just unsanitary,” she said. “It was an environment of total neglect and suffering. No creature should live like that—especially not an infant.”

The baby girl, remarkably, appeared to be in relatively good health given the environment. She was immediately removed from the residence and placed into the care of a relative. Authorities have not released additional information about her condition or identity but confirmed that she is now safe.

Perhaps equally disturbing was the reaction of the parents during the arrest. Chief Miller noted that both Renard and Foley displayed an unsettling level of detachment. “There were no tears. No signs of concern. They didn’t even flinch when we told them their child was being taken away,” he said. “It’s as if they were completely disconnected from the situation unfolding in front of them.”

Renard and Foley now face multiple charges, including unlawful conduct toward a child, ill treatment of animals, and various town ordinance violations. Both were booked into custody and issued $10,000 surety bonds. Foley reportedly posted bond the following day, while Renard remains in custody.

The six deceased animals found on the property are being examined to determine the cause of death. Meanwhile, all 41 surviving animals are under the care of Anderson County PAWS, which is working to stabilize their physical health and prepare them for potential adoption once they’re strong enough.

“This home wasn’t just unsuitable—it was a house of horror,” Sanders said. “For an innocent baby to be living in those conditions is beyond comprehension. And for dozens of animals to endure such neglect… it’s heartbreaking.”

As of now, the Honea Path Police Department has not released any additional updates on the ongoing investigation, but they emphasized that child protection and animal welfare officials remain actively involved.

The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting residents to question how such conditions could go unnoticed for so long. Authorities are now reviewing whether any prior complaints or welfare checks had been filed against the couple in the past.

For those who rescued the animals and removed the baby from the home, the emotional toll remains high. “You can’t unsee something like that,” Chief Miller concluded. “But we’re thankful that the child and the animals now have a second chance.”