A search warrant executed Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at a property in Woodruff, South Carolina, resulted in the removal of 91 animals, including 87 cats and four puppies.
More than 70 additional animals were found dead on the Greenpond Road property, with several reportedly discovered in freezers.
Spartanburg Pet Resource Center
Officials began investigating last Friday, Oct. 15, 2026, after Animal Control was contacted regarding animal welfare concerns.
An initial inspection revealed unsanitary living conditions, a makeshift cat shelter covered by a tarp, a strong ammonia odor inside the structure, and cages without solid flooring.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, officers executed a search warrant with assistance from the Spartanburg County Pet Resource Center. All animals were removed, and the county’s Environmental Enforcement Division condemned the home and property, deeming them unfit for human or animal occupancy.
Spartanburg Pet Resource Center
Carol Ferger, who allegedly operated the organization CLiFs No Kill Shelter and Rescue, received multiple citations related to the treatment and care of animals and the maintenance of the premises. The organization is not registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Anyone who surrendered animals to the operation is encouraged to contact the Spartanburg County Pet Resource Center.
Spartanburg Pet Resource Center
Official press release below:
On October 20, 2026, Spartanburg County Animal Control executed a search warrant at a property on Greenpond Road in Woodruff. The search resulted in the removal of 91 animals, including 87 cats and four puppies.
The investigation began on October 16, 2026, after Animal Control received a report concerning animal welfare conditions. During an initial inspection, officers observed numerous animals, unsanitary living conditions, excessive feces accumulation, and a strong ammonia odor inside a tarp-covered structure used to house cats. Officers observed numerous wire crates and cages stacked two to three levels high, with several cats confined inside. Some cages lacked solid flooring, leaving the animals standing directly on wire surfaces. Litter boxes were overflowing with feces, and the conditions raised significant concerns about the health and welfare of the animals.
Following the initial inspection, officers obtained a search warrant and returned to the property alongside Spartanburg County Pet Resource Center staff on October 20th for a full property and home inspection. 87 cats and four puppies were removed from the property. Additionally, over 70 deceased animals were found on the property, several of the remains were found in freezers. Investigators estimate that some of the remains date back as far as 2023.
Initial veterinary examinations revealed that multiple cats were emaciated and suffering from serious medical conditions requiring immediate veterinary attention. The investigation also determined that Carol Ferger was operating under the name CLiFs No Kill Shelter & Rescue. The operation is not a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Individuals who previously surrendered animals to this operation are encouraged to contact Spartanburg County Pet Resource Center for information regarding the animals recovered during the investigation and potential reunification.
Ferger was issued citations for alleged violations of Spartanburg County ordinances, including:
- Six counts of ill treatment and cruelty to animals
- Six counts involving duties of animal owners
- Three counts involving maintenance of premises
The citations are subject to the applicable legal process. Spartanburg County Environmental Enforcement condemned the home and property, determining that the structure was unsafe and unfit for human or animal occupancy.
