Dozens of animals were seized from an Horry County home after authorities say the owners were not taking proper care of them.
The animals were found almost by accident. 46 dogs were seized, along with nine birds from a home on Fore Road just outside of Aynor. Two people were arrested as a result.
Horry County Fire Rescue was fighting a fire near the property when they say the animals wouldn't allow them to work.
While on scene, fire fighters noticed the dogs in pens that appeared to be in poor condition and not taken care of. Officers later executed a search warrant and seized more than 50 animals..
Arrest warrants were issued for Linda Cornelius, 55, who faces three charges of ill treatment of animals and Michael Fore, 22, who faces one count of the same charge.
They turned themselves into police Friday. NewsChannel 15 tried to talk to them but no one was home.
The homeowners kept the dogs in a series of pens in the backyard. Police say there's no indication the animals were being used in a dog fighting ring.
While seizing this many animals is not overly common, police say it does happen.
"We do have cases where there's people who have an excessive amount of animals and it gets to the point where they cant properly take care of all those animals and that's where we come in," said Sgt. Robert Kegler with the Horry County Police Department.
That's why, he adds, it's important to be able to handle what you get yourself into.
"Don't overwhelm yourself with animals. Take care of the animals in a sufficient manner and if you cant do so, take the proper steps to make sure these guys get the homes that they need," said Sgt. Kegler.
The animals are now in the possession of the Horry County Animal Care Center, who's coordinating with other groups in and out of South Carolina to provide care and adoptions.
If you're interested in adopting one or more of the animals seized, contact the Horry County Animal Shelter at (843) 915-5172.
