South Carolina Couple Faces Charges for Animal Cruelty and Child Neglect
Union, South Carolina — An alarming case of alleged animal cruelty and child neglect has emerged from upstate South Carolina, where a couple left their 17-year-old daughter alone at home while they traveled to Florida. Officers from the Union Police Department were summoned to the residence on May 27 after reports concerning the welfare of the animals in the household raised concerns.
Disturbing Discovery
Upon arriving at the home, officers found a harrowing scene. Inside, they encountered the teenage girl, who was apparently left unsupervised. According to reports, she contacted her mother, Alicia Capps, 41, who was in Florida at the time, and gave officers permission to enter the property.
What they found was distressing: a total of 39 cats and three dogs living in squalid conditions, amidst various dead animals and pervasive feces throughout the home. Outside, officers discovered 20 additional deceased cats stored in a non-functioning freezer, intensifying the cruelty of the situation.
Charges Filed
Consequently, Alicia and her partner, Justin Capps, 34, have been charged with three counts of ill treatment of animals and one count of unlawful neglect of a child. Following their return from Florida, both were arrested on Tuesday. They are currently being held on a bond set at $25,000 each.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the family’s circumstances or the current condition of the rescued animals but indicated that investigations are ongoing to ensure the safety of the teenage girl and the remaining animals.
Community Reaction
Local residents have expressed shock at the reports, with many voicing concerns over the well-being of both the girl and the animals. Community members are now calling for swift justice and better protections for vulnerable individuals and pets alike.
As developments in this case unfold, authorities continue to examine the full scope of the couple’s actions, and updates are expected soon.
For further updates on this and other crime-related news, stay tuned to reliable news sources.
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