Greenville County, South Carolina, August 9, 2025
News Summary
Elizabeth Farmer Waldrop and Ashley Raymond have been charged with stealing and euthanizing a 13-year-old dog named Max in Greenville County. The duo claimed they were trying to rescue the suffering animal; however, their actions have ignited a debate about animal rights and property laws within the community. They face multiple legal charges, which include stealing an identifiable dog and malicious injury to animals, amidst support and backlash from locals.
Greenville County, South Carolina – Two women, Elizabeth Farmer Waldrop and Ashley Raymond, have been charged with stealing and euthanizing a dog named Max, an event that has sparked controversy and debate within the community.
Waldrop and Raymond, both associated with Anakin’s Trails Stray and Pet Recovery, were arrested after they allegedly unlawfully entered a property to take Max, a 13-year-old dog who was found tied up without water or shelter. The organization they are connected to posted on Facebook, characterizing the charges against them as “ridiculous and unwarranted,” implying that their intentions were to save the dog rather than harm it.
According to the arrest warrants, Waldrop and Raymond cut the rope that was part of a trolley system used to contain Max in order to take him. Following their intervention, Max was taken to a veterinarian where he was diagnosed with heart failure and heartworms. Tragically, he was euthanized on July 16, 2023, without the owner’s knowledge or consent, prompting severe backlash.
The charges against the two women include:
- Stealing or killing an identifiable dog
- Trespassing
- Criminal conspiracy
- Malicious injury to animals
A judge has set a bond of $15,500 for each woman, and both had a bond hearing following their arrest, allowing them to be released on bond.
The owner’s involvement in this incident is not under investigation by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, further complicating public sentiments regarding the case. Anakin’s Trails shared a $593 veterinary bill on social media covering the emergency visit and cremation of Max, which has added to the narrative surrounding the charges.
The case highlights the delicate balance between animal rescue efforts and the laws surrounding property rights and animal welfare. Many in the community are divided: some empathize with the women’s intentions to rescue a suffering animal, while others argue that the legality of their methods cannot be overlooked. As the case progresses, it raises important questions about responsibility, ethics, and the implications of animal rescue operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are the individuals charged in this case?
Elizabeth Farmer Waldrop and Ashley Raymond are the two women charged with theft and the euthanization of the dog named Max.
2. What were the circumstances surrounding Max’s euthanization?
Max was found tied up behind a property without adequate water or shelter. After being taken in by the women, he was found to be suffering from heart failure and heartworms and was euthanized without his owner’s consent.
3. What legal charges are facing Waldrop and Raymond?
The women face multiple charges including stealing or killing an identifiable dog, trespassing, criminal conspiracy, and malicious injury to animals.
4. What has been the community’s reaction?
The community’s reaction has been mixed, with some supporting the women’s intentions to rescue a suffering animal while others believe their actions were unlawful.
5. Was the owner of Max involved in illegal activities?
No, the owner of Max is not under investigation by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individuals Involved | Elizabeth Farmer Waldrop and Ashley Raymond |
| Dog’s Name | Max |
| Charges | Stealing or killing a dog, Trespassing, Criminal conspiracy, Malicious injury to animals |
| Bond Amount | $15,500 for each woman |
| Veterinarian Bill | $593 for Max’s emergency visit and cremation |
| Current Status of Owner | Not under investigation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Greenville women charged with dog theft and euthanization
- Wikipedia: Animal Rights
- Fox Carolina: Animal rescue members accused of stealing dog
- Google Search: Dog Rescue Ethics
- WYFF4: Greenwood dogs missing from stolen vehicle
- Google Scholar: Animal Welfare Laws
- Fox Carolina: Owner offering reward after dog stolen during Greenville house burglary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Welfare
- My Clinton News: Ware Shoals alleged theft run busted
- Google News: Animal Rescue Controversy
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville 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 Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . 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 Greenville 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.
