Dead goat in home’s bathtub led cops to take infant from parents, SC police say

An 8-month-old child was taken from a South Carolina couple after investigators encountered “a horrific situation” in their home that included a dead goat in the bathtub, according to police.

The discovery was made May 19 when the S.C. Department of Social Services summoned police to a home on Shirley Avenue in Honea Path, about a 100-mile drive northwest from Columbia.

“During our investigation, we uncovered severe unsafe and unsanitary conditions that put the infant at risk. 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 situation was alarming,” Honea Path police said in a May 20 news release.

“Among the discoveries was a decomposing goat carcass in the bathtub. In total, over 40 animals were safely removed from the property.”

The “severe unsafe and unsanitary conditions” resulted in the child being taken by DSS child advocates and placed in the custody of a relative, officials said.

Kayla Renard and Nicholas Foley were charged with “unlawful conduct toward a child and ill treatment of animals, as well as violations of town ordinances,” police said.

The animals taken from the home were collected by staff with a PAWS animal shelter in the area, officials said.

Details of why they kept a dead goat in their bathtub, according to police, were not released.

This story was originally published May 22, 2025 at 7:27 AM with the headline "Dead goat in home’s bathtub led cops to take infant from parents, SC police say."