It was Charleston Animal Society's hope and understanding based on comments made by County Council representatives at a November 8th meeting that we would continue to work together on a month-to-month basis while we move forward in finding common ground for a contractual relationship.
“It was very disappointing to learn through media that this was not going to happen” said Charleston Animal Society Board Chair Martin Deputy. “Then, to have the rug pulled out from under us, in contradiction to what was indicated when we were together, along with outlandish statements, makes no sense. We are shocked, especially after I suggested a 'ceasefire' that was agreed to by all during a November 1st meeting.”
I. REGARDING CHARLESTON COUNTY'S POSITION ON EUTHANIZING ANIMALS AFTER THE FIVE-DAY STRAY HOLD PERIOD:
- In a News 2 report on December 10, Charleston County Councilman Joe Boykin said "I took particular issue when he [Joe Elmore] said that we mandated that they euthanized animals – that’s never been said by anybody on our staff, on our council.” (Elmore did not say "mandated"). At a November 1 contract meeting, after explaining that the County would only pay for five days of care for animals, Boykin was asked what the County would do with animals after the state-mandated five-day stray hold period if the County ran their own shelter instead of Charleston Animal Society. Boykin replied: "We would have to euthanize 'em per state law. I mean we're not bucking that. We are not a benevolent charity. We're the government. And unfortunately in the government, it's not all roses and sunshine. It is a cold and hard line and that's the way it's built."
"It was this statement that I based my remarks that the County is essentially proposing that we kill the animals after the five-day hold period in my December 10 message to our constituency. Nowhere in South Carolina law is it stated that animals should be killed after the five-day stray hold period," said Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore. "Also, in our June 20, 2023 termination letter to the County I expressed my concerns that 'The funding currently offered by the County is clearly meant to provide only a short window of time for housing animals...and then for such animals to be immediately euthanized regardless of their health or fitness for adoption.'"
This is why the County should move away from this new notion that its financial responsibility should end after the five-day stray hold period. We’re not aware of any shelter in South Carolina that does that.
II. COUNTY ABANDONS LONGSTANDING RESPONSIBILITY FOR STRAY ANIMALS FOUND BY CITIZENS
- The County is making a major change to how stray animals will be protected under the new proposed agreement. The County is trying to tell the public that its “longstanding interpretation of the now-terminated agreement” is that the County is only responsible for the costs of animals brought in by its Animal Control Officers. This is in direct conflict with the previous contract and a complete reversal of how stray animals found by citizens have been protected in Charleston County for decades. We aren’t sure why the County wants to make this change, and it is opening up residents across Charleston County for chaos: what are you supposed to do if you find a stray animal? Where do you take it? Who will pay for its humane disposition? More than 5,000 animals were brought to Charleston Animal Society by county citizens this year alone. CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW STRAY ANIMALS WERE COVERED IN PREVIOUS CONTRACT
Charleston Animal Society remains committed to negotiating a fair and full contract. We hope the County will make a reasonable proposal that puts animals and people first. Charleston Animal Society has a national reputation for lifesaving and our community does not want to go backwards in the progress that has been made.
