Couple Arrested After Baby Found in Filthy Home with Decomposing Goat, Maggots, Waste and More Than 40 Animals

Police arrested a Honea Path couple after an 8-month-old child was found living in a home overrun with animals, waste, and a decomposing goat carcass. Kayla Renard and Nicholas Foley now face multiple charges, including unlawful conduct toward a child and ill treatment of animals.

The alarming discovery came after the Department of Social Services raised concerns about the living conditions for the infant. Officers conducted a welfare check, revealing a scene described by law enforcement as "horrific." "In my 30-plus years of service, I have never encountered such a horrific situation involving unsanitary conditions and such a large number of animals," stated the Honea Path Police Department.

Inside the residence, authorities found 47 animals—41 alive and 6 deceased—among them raccoons, rabbits, dogs, and chickens. The home was infested with animal waste, which posed significant health risks to the child. "Just the amount of feces and ammonia, it was very, very difficult to breathe," said Dr. Kim Sanders from PAWS, who assisted in the rescue operation.

Sanders noted that there were no water bowls for the animals, and conditions were so dire that maggots were found crawling in food bowls. "It’s just hard to see animals in that kind of condition," she added, reflecting on the emotional toll on her team.

Authorities also reported finding a decomposing goat carcass in the bathtub. Honea Path Police Chief Chris Miller described the scene: "Once my officers went inside, they discovered just piles of trash and animal feces. There were several different types of animals running around." He emphasized the severity of the situation, stating it was one of the most horrific scenes he had encountered in his career.

During their arrest, Renard and Foley displayed little emotion, which Chief Miller found troubling. "You would think that they'd be a little upset that someone was taking their eight-month-old baby," he remarked. The child has since been placed in the care of a relative and is reportedly in good condition given the circumstances.

Both individuals were issued $10,000 surety bonds; Foley posted his bond shortly after. As of now, Renard is not listed as an inmate on the Anderson County Sheriff's Office website.

If you suspect child abuse or witness concerning situations, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or visit www.childhelp.org. In cases of immediate danger, call 911.