On October 20, 2026, animal control officers in Woodruff, South Carolina, removed 87 cats and four puppies from a property that had been operating as “CLiFs No Kill Shelter & Rescue.” Officials say more than 70 other animals were found dead on the property, and a woman was cited. The operation presented itself as a safe place for unwanted pets, but it was not a registered nonprofit.
What Investigators Found
Authorities were first alerted by a complaint on October 16 about a property on Greenpond Road. When officers arrived four days later, they found cats housed in cages stacked two and three levels high, some without solid flooring. Several of the living cats were emaciated, officials said, and some of the animals found dead may have been there for a long time, possibly since 2023.
Spartanburg County Environmental Enforcement condemned the property. According to reporting from FOX Carolina, the woman running the operation was issued 15 citations: six for ill treatment or cruelty to animals, six for violating owner duties, and three for premises maintenance. A citation is not a conviction, and the case has not been decided in court.
Where the Animals Are Now
The 87 cats were taken to the Spartanburg County Pet Resource Center, while the four puppies went to a separate shelter. The center says it is now at critical capacity and is asking for foster homes and adopters to help the rescued cats. Anyone who surrendered an animal to the Woodruff property is being asked to contact the center so officials can try to account for it.
What Pet Owners Should Check Before Surrendering an Animal
The term “no-kill” has no legal definition, so any group can use it, whether or not it meets any standard of care. Before handing over a pet, confirm that the organization is a registered nonprofit by searching for it in the IRS tax-exempt organization database. Ask to see where the animals are kept, how many are currently in its care, and what happens to animals that cannot be adopted. A real rescue should answer all three without hesitation, and a refusal to let you see the facility is reason enough to look elsewhere, such as your local county shelter.
