South Carolina police recently shared a horrifying case they’re dealing with. Kayla Renard and Nicholas Foley, a young couple, were reportedly found living in absolute squalor with their baby. Police say their home was overflowing with a variety of animals, alive and dead. The couple never cleaned up after the animals, allegedly leaving feces and urine everywhere. Police also say they didn’t feed the animals, and many of them were malnourished. Now, the two face charges.
The Honea Path Police released a news statement on Facebook about the discovery. Officers went to the home of Renard and Foley on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the request of the Department of Social Services. There were concerns about the 8-month-old baby who lived in their home.
Police “uncovered severe unsafe and unsanitary conditions” when they arrived at the home. “Officers found the residence infested with numerous animals, including raccoons, rabbits, dogs, cats, chickens, and deceased animals. Animal feces and waste are throughout the residence,” the report notes. Additionally, police say they found a goat carcass decomposing in the bathtub.
Then, police reached out to Dr. Kim Sanders from the Anderson County PAWS to help with the 47 animals they discovered.
“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,” the statement ended.
Dr. Sanders spoke with WYFF about what PAWS discovered in the home. “It was just absolutely disgusting and just really depressing for my staff and myself. It’s just hard to see animals in that kind of condition,” she said. “This one was tough, and knowing there was an 8-month-old baby in there as well is just — I can’t comprehend.”
“The child is OK. The child was in pretty good condition for the unsanitary condition of the house,” Police Chief Christopher Miller said in a statement WYFF shared. Currently, a family member is looking after the child.
According to Miller, neither Renard or Foley had any emotion about what was happening. “You would think that they’d be a little upset that someone was taking their 8-month-old baby, that the police were there and discovered the horrific conditions of this house. You would think that they would have to know that they were in trouble,” he said.
Renard and Foley were charged with unlawful conduct towards a child and ill treatment of animals. They were also charged with violating town ordinances. Both have a bond of $10,000.
If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child), or go to Childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7.
