Authorities in Union, South Carolina, made a disturbing discovery that has shaken the local community. On Park Drive, police found dozens of animals—both dead and alive—living in deplorable conditions inside a home deemed completely unsafe for habitation.
The investigation began in May 2025 when officers from the Union Police Department responded to reports of possible neglect. What they found inside was deeply troubling. The residence was covered in animal feces, with floors so soiled and unsanitary that officers declared the entire home unlivable.
Inside, officers counted a total of 39 live cats roaming the house, three dogs, and an unplugged freezer containing the remains of 20 deceased cats. The condition of the freezer and the animals inside strongly suggested the bodies had been stored there for some time.
Even more alarming, police discovered a 17-year-old teenager had been left alone in the home. According to warrants, the teen’s parents were on their way to Florida at the time, leaving the minor behind in the hazardous environment. The presence of a child in such neglectful and unsanitary conditions raised serious concerns about both child welfare and animal cruelty.
As a result of the investigation, 34-year-old Justin Bowen Capps and 41-year-old Alicia Marie Capps were arrested. Both were charged with unlawful neglect of a child and three counts of ill treatment of animals. They were taken into custody on Thursday morning and booked into the Union County Detention Center. Each is currently being held on a $25,000 bond.
The case has sparked outrage among local animal welfare advocates and community members alike. The sheer number of animals involved—along with the horrifying detail of the dead cats stored in a freezer—has amplified calls for stronger laws around animal hoarding and neglect.
For now, authorities are working to ensure the safety and recovery of the surviving animals. The Union Police Department has not yet released full details on where the rescued pets will be housed or when they might become eligible for adoption, but local shelters are expected to assist with their care.
Meanwhile, the case continues to draw attention statewide as investigators assess whether additional charges may be warranted. The tragic discovery underscores the need for vigilance in identifying and reporting suspected cases of animal cruelty and child endangerment—particularly when both are involved in the same household.
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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.
Toledo, United States.