Beaufort County, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Beaufort County express outrage following the release of a disturbing video showing a dog abandoned at the local animal shelter. The dog was found chained with no food or water, sparking calls for accountability and a national animal abuse registry. The shelter, currently facing overcrowding, emphasizes that abandoning pets is illegal and dangerous. They encourage community members to adopt or foster pets to help alleviate the issue of overcrowding in shelters.
Beaufort County residents are outraged after a disturbing video surfaced, showing a dog abandoned at the Beaufort County Animal Shelter. On October 21, 2023, shelter staff discovered the dog chained to the fence, lacking food and water, and with one of its legs tangled in the chain.
The video, filmed by marine veteran Kimberly Caff, quickly went viral, eliciting widespread anger and sadness from viewers who expressed their outrage on social media. Comments condemned the individual responsible for the abandonment, with many saying that such actions deserved severe consequences.
Shelter staff explained that this is not how animals should be delivered to the Beaufort County Animal Services or any other shelter. Upon bringing the dog inside, it received care, water, and joined numerous other canines in need of homes.
The public has reacted strongly to the incident, with some commentators calling for a national registry to identify individuals who abandon animals. Others emphasized the need for compassion toward pet owners who may be struggling, urging shelters to adopt a more understanding approach.
The Beaufort County Animal Shelter is currently facing significant overcrowding, housing more animals than its facility is prepared for. Despite this, staff emphasized their commitment to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned pets, asserting that every dog deserves a chance.
In response to the incident, the shelter reminded the public that abandoning pets outside shelters is illegal and can pose serious dangers to the animals involved. The video ultimately concludes on a hopeful note, showing the rescued dog happily wagging its tail after receiving care.
To address the pressing issue of animal abandonment and the need for homes, the shelter encouraged community involvement in adopting or fostering pets. Even amid overcrowding, the shelter remains dedicated to making room for animals in need.
Key Details of the Incident
- Date of discovery: October 21, 2023
- Condition of the dog: Chained, hungry, thirsty, with a leg tangled in the chain
- Public reaction: Outrage and sadness on social media; calls for a national registry for animal abusers
- Shelter’s message: Abandoning pets is illegal and dangerous
- Current shelter status: Overcrowded, but committed to rescue and rehome efforts
Background Context
Animal abandonment is a growing concern in various communities, and shelters often face the overwhelming challenge of caring for more animals than they can accommodate. The Beaufort County Animal Shelter is actively working to not only provide care for these animals but also to find them permanent homes.
As they navigate this complex issue, shelters are urging the public to consider adopting or fostering animals, thereby alleviating some of the burden on crowded facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened to the dog found at Beaufort County Animal Shelter?
- The dog was found chained to the fence, without food or water, and with one of its legs tangled in the chain.
- Who filmed the video of the abandoned dog?
- The video was filmed by marine veteran Kimberly Caff.
- What was the public’s reaction to the video?
- Many viewers expressed outrage and sadness on social media, condemning the individual’s actions.
- What is the current status of the Beaufort County Animal Shelter?
- The shelter is overcrowded and housing more animals than it is designed to accommodate.
- What message did the shelter want to convey about abandoning pets?
- The shelter stated that abandoning pets outside shelters is illegal and can endanger the animals.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Discovery | October 21, 2023 |
| Condition of the Dog | Chained, hungry, thirsty, leg tangled |
| Public Response | Outrage, calls for accountability |
| Shelter Status | Overcrowded, committed to rehoming |
| Legal Reminder | Abandonment of pets is illegal and dangerous |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lowcountry Animal Shelters Face Overcrowding Crisis
Additional Resources
- WITN: Beaufort County Man, Woman Facing Seven Counts of Animal Cruelty
- Wikipedia: Animal Cruelty
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Couple Charged with Seven Counts of Animal Cruelty
- Google Search: Animal Abandonment
- Washington Daily News: Beaufort County Couple Charged with Animal Cruelty
- Google Scholar: Animal Shelter Overcrowding
- WCTI: Washington Residents Charged with Animal Cruelty
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Adoption
- WJCL: Animal Abuse Crackdown in Georgia
- Google News: Animal Cruelty Charges

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

