Conway woman files restraining order in dog seizure, adoptions postponed until hearing

An attorney representing a Conway area woman, who had 146 dogs seized from her home earlier this month, filed a temporary restraining order Tuesday to keep the dogs from being adopted until a judge hears about the case, according to officials.

The attorney representing Renee James, 49, filed the order Tuesday seeking return of all the animals, Horry County police Lt. Raul Denis said.

A hearing on the retraining order is set for Wednesday, according to court officials.

People lined up Tuesday at the Horry County Animal Care Center seeking to adopt the dogs, but were turned away after the court filing.

James also has requested a jury trial in the case.

Horry County police cited James with failing to provide proper care and treatment of animals Friday, a day after officers seized 146 dogs from her. James was given a $445 ticket.

At the time of the seizure, Denis said officers shut down a puppy mill and the dogs were living in deplorable conditions at James’ home in the 6000 block of Secondary Highway 65, which is between U.S. 701 North and S.C. 22.

It took police about five hours to collect all the animals, Denis said.

“The animals were kept in small cages, and numerous animals where sharing cages which had not been cleaned in a very long time,” Denis said.

James was cited under Horry County Ordinance 4-3 for failure to provide proper care and treatment of animals. She is scheduled to appear in court on March 18, Denis said.

Most of the seized dogs were adult mating pairs, but a few dogs were pregnant and some puppies were found as well, Denis said.

James does not have any other criminal charges, according to jail records and the Horry County Public Index. In the public index she is listed as a defendant in a 2007 suit against Pet Safari, a pet store at 1807 Parkview Road in Conway.

Pet Safari was ordered to pay $345 to two plaintiffs, according to court records.

Denis said donations of food, beds, laundry detergent and money are always accepted at the Horry County Animal Care Center.

To learn about the dogs, call the shelter at 915-5172 or go to their website.

This story was originally published March 10, 2015 at 12:23 PM.