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COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Nearly a dozen Springer Spaniels are in need of forever homes after Colleton County Animal Services and English Springer Rescue America rescued them from a Walterboro home Thursday.

A press release from Colleton County Animal Services states they received a call that 12 dogs weren’t receiving proper care. One was found dead at the home and the others are now getting much-needed care.

Kate Kiel with the English Springer Rescue is caring for several of them. She was there when they were removed from the home on Thursday.

“None of the dogs were aggressive. They were just so frightened and backing up when we spoke to them. They were all behind two different fences. A couple of them were inside the home,” Kiel, Co-Coordinator of English Springer Rescue says.

Animal services say these cases are becoming more common.

“Sadly, they have been more common in the last two years. This is the sixth case that we’ve had in 2024 where a breeder has gotten in over their head or their situation has changed so they’re unable to take care of the dogs,” Laura Clark, director of Colleton County Animal Services says.

Clark stated in the press release that the conditions the dogs were living in were the worst she’d seen in her 25 years working with animal services.

“They are wonderful dogs. They have beautiful temperaments. They are going to be a blessing to any home they go to, but they have a few issues,” Rebecca Hughes, a veterinarian at Shepherd’s Care says.

The spaniels will need routine vaccinations and to be spayed or neutered.

Seven of the eleven are heartworm-positive, which will require expensive treatment.

“The male has pretty severe inflammatory problems with his ears and his eyes,” Hughes says.

Hughes says he has some severe issues with tarter build-up on his gums that will need to be addressed, but are overall in good shape.

“There is nothing that says that these puppies aren’t going to be active and happy and a wonderful addition to their families for several years to come,” Hughes says.

But getting to this condition could be avoided. Colleton County Animal Services asks people to ask for help sooner when they are in a situation where they feel they can’t care for their animals.

“There are a lot of resources in our community, as well as other communities in the Lowcountry, that are trying to help with vet care, food and relocating animals. Waiting until it’s such a dire situation makes it worse for everybody,” Clark says.

Keil says the organization has taken in about 40 springers this year alone.

If you want to foster or donate, visit the English Spaniel Rescue America website. Donations can be made in honor of these 11 dogs by noting ‘South Carolina 11’ on your donation.

“We’ll make you. You just have to be loving safe and dedicated and be patient for these dogs because they’ve been through a lot,” Keil says.

Colleton County Animal Control is receiving praise for how professional and compassionate the officers were while corralling the dogs.

Clark says at one point they even played music and sang for them to calm them down.

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