LAURENS, S.C. — Two people were arrested Wednesday after Laurens County deputies discovered two children, 42 dogs, and one rabbit living in deplorable and abusive conditions.
Deputies from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Townsend Street at approximately 11:30 a.m. following reports of child abuse and animal cruelty.
Upon arrival, authorities found the home filled with a strong stench of urine and feces. Dozens of dogs were confined in stacked crates, without food or water. The crates were coated in bile, feces, and urine.
Another building on the property held more dogs suffering from skin diseases, flea infestations, and intestinal parasites. The two children found at the residence were seen walking barefoot through filth, while deputies also received evidence of further child endangerment.
Animal control, with assistance from Carolina Loving Hounds Rescue, Lucky Pup Rescue, and local volunteers, removed 42 dogs and one rabbit from the property.
Authorities arrested:
Candice Phillips, charged with Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child and Ill Treatment of Animals
Chad Phillips, charged with two counts of Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child and Ill Treatment of Animals
Sheriff Don Reynolds condemned the conditions as horrific:
“These despicable people committed these acts against these innocent children and animals. To say the conditions were deplorable is an understatement.”
He praised the work of deputies, rescue groups, and Animal Control staff, who acted swiftly despite limited shelter space.
The investigation is ongoing.
