The county's sheriff described the case as without precedent after an animal-control probe at a Wedgefield residence turned up an extraordinary number of fatalities and neglected animals.
Charges follow discovery at Duck Pond Place property
Last week, local prosecutors charged Kimberly and Ralph Moody with failure to bury or properly dispose of a dead animal, ill treatment of animals and animal torture after investigators found more than 125 dogs dead and removed another 107 animals from the property at 21 Duck Pond Place.
The Moodys were each given $17,000 bonds and are scheduled to appear in court again on Aug. 3. The residence was condemned by authorities as the investigation continued.
Investigation stepped up after repeated complaints
Deputies have attended the Moody property repeatedly over several years. Sheriff Carter Weaver told reporters the agency had responded to more than 25 complaints at the home since 2019. The probe intensified in late June when animal-control officers, while attempting to make contact, detected a strong odour consistent with accumulated waste and unsanitary conditions.
"We haven't seen anything of the likes of this at all," Sheriff Carter Weaver said, adding, "The unexplainable occurred."
Officers initially left a door tag after finding no answer. According to court records, Moody later attached that tag to an officer's front door and provided a phone number. During their initial court appearance, defence counsel described the Moodys as overwhelmed by their care for animals; sheriff's officials disputed that characterisation.
Animals rehoused as shelter resources are mobilized
Following the seizure, more than 60 dogs were temporarily housed at Saint Frances Animal Center on July 16 as shelter and animal-control staff worked to manage and care for animals removed from the site. The situation has strained local shelter capacity and prompted officials to warn residents about the consequences of large-scale accumulation of animals without adequate care.
- Location: 21 Duck Pond Place, Wedgefield community
- Deaths recorded: More than 125 dogs
- Animals removed: 107
- Bond: $17,000 each for Kimberly and Ralph Moody
- Next court date: Aug. 3
| Item | Number |
|---|---|
| Complaints since 2019 | More than 25 |
| Dogs found dead | More than 125 |
| Animals removed | 107 |
The sheriff characterised the case as among the most severe the office has encountered. County animal-welfare officials and the shelter continue to process evidence and care for the surviving animals as the criminal case proceeds through the courts.
