179 Animals Seized; Couple Facing Charges

More than 180 warrents issued

Mandy Gaither

LIBERTY, S.C. -- Warrants have been issued for an Anderson County Animal Control officer and his estranged wife, who’s an animal rescue worker. Both are facing 92 charges each of ill treatment of animals.

Deputies investigating a report of maltreatment at an Anderson home found several dead animals and seized 177 dogs, a cat and a bird.

A complaint against Faith Patterson, 36, of Bagwell Road, was made to the Anderson County Department of Public Safety. Because it was determined that Patterson's husband, Wade Patterson, is a Department of Safety Animal Control officer, the Anderson Sheriff's Office was asked to conduct the investigation. The officer has been put on administrative leave pending the the outcome of the investigation.

On Wednesday, investigators at the home said they found several dog carcasses on the property and numerous malnourished dogs living in inhumane conditions..." More