CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — One of South Carolina’s largest animal rescue operations has left shelters across the state overflowing, prompting animal welfare organizations to ask the public for help through adoptions and donations.
Investigators recently rescued more than 123 animals from a home in Georgetown County and discovered the remains of at least 125 more. Authorities also recovered 30 additional animals that had been abandoned by the same couple. Ralph and Kimberly Moody now face multiple charges, including animal cruelty, in connection with the case.
While the rescue operation brought hundreds of animals to safety, it also created an immediate challenge for shelters already operating at or near capacity. St. Frances Animal Center, one of the organizations leading the response, was already full when the Georgetown County animal cruelty and abandonment case unfolded. Charleston Animal Society and several other shelters across South Carolina stepped in to assist with emergency placements, medical care and other resources.
Shelters working together
Charleston Animal Society Chief Operating Officer Aldwin Roman said the organization’s staff immediately responded to assist. “We actually sent our team over that weekend to just go out there, assess, see if there’s anything we can do. We brought back seven animals that same weekend and then another 15 on Monday just to give them a little bit of breathing room. We’re also overcrowded, but not at the level that they are, so we just—we have to help each other, all the shelters across South Carolina,” Roman said.
Roman said the statewide collaboration is part of a larger effort to ensure shelters can support one another during emergencies. “This is part of our No Kill South Carolina statewide program. It’s trying to get shelters connected to each other so we’re resources for each other. We’re always struggling at one time or another, and if we can lean on each other, help each other out, we’re stronger together than we are separate,” Roman said.
Animals beginning their recovery
Among the rescued animals is Jessie, one of several dogs now preparing for adoption after receiving veterinary care. Roman said many of the animals are still recovering physically and emotionally from the conditions they endured. “A little scared, a little skittish as you can imagine just based on the environment they came out of,” Roman said…