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BARNWELL, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Social media posts recently sparked concern over the welfare of dogs kept at a Barnwell County home.

An incident report is now shedding light on the situation.

The rescue group involved says this is a case of an owner who became overwhelmed with too many animals.

According to the report, the situation began on Jan. 3, when deputies responded to a home on Emerald Lane for a complaint about dogs from a neighboring property digging under a chain-link fence and entering the complainant’s yard.

On one occasion, the dogs chased the neighbor, causing her to injure her ankle while escaping, the report states.

The homeowner had previously received a citation for allowing dogs to run at large, according to officials.

At that time, deputies say they warned her of another citation if the animals weren’t contained.

The owner agreed to contact an animal shelter and was issued a second citation.

When deputies returned on Jan. 5, they found five dogs lying in the front yard, while at least 16 more were visible in the backyard—some tied up, others roaming freely.

Deputies say the dogs appeared healthy, with food bowls, water buckets and shelters with hay visible on the property.

According to the incident report, the owner was still living in the home.

She told officials that she was staying there at least twice a week, but that she and her husband went to the home every day to feed and water the dogs.

The owner told deputies that the fence had been damaged about a month earlier and that there was a piece of tin lying against the fence in an attempt to fix it, according to the report.

She told deputies she was in contact with a rescue group to rehome the dogs.

By Jan. 14, social media posts had drawn wider attention. Deputies checked back and confirmed the homeowner had scheduled a rescue pickup for Jan. 26.

When deputies returned Thursday, they counted 22 dogs in the backyard.

The owner was not home and deputies were unable to make contact with the owner via phone.

According to the incident report, traps were set up for the few dogs that were seen roaming on the property in an attempt to catch them.

Deputies reported that they felt the other dogs would be warm enough where they were until the rescue group could pick them up in late January.

The dogs that were caught were taken to an animal shelter to be held.

Barnwell County Animal Advocates, the rescue group involved in the case, wanted to clarify that the dogs are not being abused.

“If people would actually, if they were more educated about the spay and neuter, how you could have a female dog, you breed her. She has six. Well, that litter, just her litter, and another dog mate with one of them there it just goes on and on, and before you know it, you’re overpopulated,” said April Gunnells, veterinary assistant at Barnwell County Animal Advocates.

The rescue group will pick up approximately 20 dogs next week. The dogs will remain with Barnwell County Animal Advocates for evaluations before being transferred to another rescue in Alabama.

Staff at the facility say they are caring for more animals than they have in years. Right now they are housing about 38 dogs and more than 40 cats. They note that situations like this are becoming increasingly common as overcrowding worsens across the region.

For more information on low-cost or no-cost spay and neuter in Barnwell County, call one of the following: