What was presented as a no-kill animal rescue in Woodruff turned out to be a property where more than 70 animals had died, according to Spartanburg County officials.
Spartanburg County Animal Control seized 91 living animals from the property on Greenpond Road on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
How it started
Around Oct. 16, Animal Control received a report about animal welfare conditions at the property.
Officers found a tarp-covered structure being used to house cats. Inside, they said, it was unsanitary, with a heavy buildup of waste and a strong smell of ammonia.
Cats were kept in wire crates and cages stacked two and three levels high. Some cages had no solid floor, leaving the cats standing on wire.
Search warrant and a full inspection
Officers obtained a search warrant and returned with staff from the Spartanburg County Pet Resource Center to inspect the entire property and home.
They removed 87 cats and four puppies. They also found more than 70 dead animals, several of them stored in freezers. Investigators said some of the remains may date back to 2023.
Veterinarians who examined the surviving animals found that several of the cats were severely underweight and had serious medical problems.
Spartanburg County Environmental Enforcement condemned the home and property.
Citations issued
Officials said Carol Ferger was issued citations for:
- Six counts of ill treatment and cruelty to animals
- Six counts related to the duties of animal owners
- Three counts related to maintenance of premises
According to officials, Ferger was running the operation under the name CLiFs No Kill Shelter & Rescue. Officials said the group is not a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
The citations are accusations, and Ferger is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in court.
Gave an animal to this rescue?
Anyone who surrendered an animal to CLiFs No Kill Shelter & Rescue is asked to contact the Spartanburg County Pet Resource Center for information about the recovered animals and the possibility of being reunited with them.
How to check a rescue before giving it an animal
- Ask to visit where the animals are kept.
- Check nonprofit status using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search online.
- Ask for references from a local vet the rescue works with.
- Be cautious if a group takes in large numbers of animals but rarely adopts them out.
Source: Spartanburg County Animal Control, as reported by FOX Carolina
