A South Carolina animal rescue CEO was arrested right after law enforcement identified 30 dead animals inside of her residence while responding to a grievance about a "smell of death" coming from the home.

GROWL CEO and director Caroline Dawn Pennington, 47, was arrested Friday and charged with 30 counts of unwell-procedure of animals immediately after law enforcement uncovered 28 pet dogs and two cats decomposing in crates and cages inside her residence.

Caroline Dawn Pennington, 47, was billed with 30 counts of unwell-procedure of animals. (Richland County Sheriff's Business office)

In accordance to deputies, the animals had been lifeless for a sizeable period of time of time centered on the stage of decomposition, and look to have died from hunger and dehydration. The animals were laying in their possess waste when the circumstance was uncovered.

A spokesperson for the sheriff's section mentioned investigators consider the animals have been neglected and experienced been left by yourself in their cages for seven to nine months prior to their deaths.

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Richland County police discovered the deceased animals on May well 22, when they arrived to perform a wellness verify after a neighbor termed to report a "smell of demise" coming from the residence.

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30 dead animals had been identified within the property of a South Carolina animal rescue CEO. (Richland County Sheriff's Section)

Sheriff Leon Lott reported this was a person of the worst cases of animal cruelty he has at any time witnessed.

"It is appalling, and it is heartbreaking," he stated, in accordance to WYFF. "This is somebody who was entrusted by the local community to treatment for these animals and locate them homes. She betrayed that trust, and she betrayed the have confidence in of these innocent animals who relied on her."

Pennington was also utilized by the Kershaw County Humane Culture, but the group revealed that she would no lengthier be doing the job for them.

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FILE- Police lights functions on the top rated of a cruiser. (WHD News)

"We were unaware of the previous employee’s actions and are definitely stunned and heartbroken," Kershaw County Humane Society claimed in a statement. "Our committed staff members will continue with our mission to provide the shed and homeless pets of Kershaw County."

Richland County Animal Regulate and the sheriff's section worked to eliminate the animals from the house.

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Pennington is also becoming investigated for likely fraud, presented that GROWL is a registered non-financial gain business. Everyone who has made documented donations to the firm in the last yr is questioned to speak to the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.