Helping those who can’t speak for themselves
While the 1970s are far from the Dark Ages, Florence County’s animal control needs have skyrocketed since then — even over the past five years. So it’s good to see the county council and the Florence Area Humane Society working to improve conditions for our four-legged friends. They’re helping those who “cannot speak for themselves,” as county councilman and retired veterinarian Morris Anderson often says.The county is working to build a new animal control facility. The one standing now has been in place since 1972. Last year, more than 8,000 animals came through the pound, which five years ago held 2,500 animals.
The Humane Society is working to build a new no-kill animal shelter. More than 2,000 unwanted pets and strays are packed into the existing shelter each year.
I saw many pitiful sights Wednesday, when I visited the county pound in Effingham. One of the saddest, however, was when I noticed two little puppies in a carrying-type case atop the other dog pens. It was enough to make me wish I could adopt every single animal in the place. I know so few of those animals are ever adopted. But if I went to adopt, I wouldn’t know how to choose. I’d be tempted to get an adorable puppy — but then I’d think I should adopt a grown dog because other people might be less likely to want them. It’s an overwhelming feeling of pity and helplessness.
For more details on the new pound and animal shelter, be sure to read my stories in Monday’s and Tuesday’s editions of the Morning News.
The county council also is considering a much-needed update of the animal control ordinance, raising fines and adding a section on animal cruelty.
Both the Humane Society and the county aim to establish spay-and-neuter facilities, which are needed to control the animal population that overcrowds the shelters and pound in the first place.
An environmental services officer told me that about this time every year, he gets a call from one county resident asking him to pick up a litter of puppies. The officer asked this guy why he doesn’t get his dog spayed, and the guy asked why he should have the dog spayed if he can just call animal control and have the puppies taken away.
So, in the meantime, heed Bob Barker’s advice and have your pets spayed and neutered. You’ll be doing them — and everyone else — a favor.
Posted by on 02/01 at 07:38 PM
Well this is some good news…
My wife and I are suckers when it comes to Animal Shelters..we stopped by the one in Charlestown just so she could “take a look” at the cats..she has these spells and there is no cure for her..
We ended up spending 80 bucks for a cat that was on an I.V. because it wouldnt eat..the owner had died and the husband took the cat to the pound..he said it reminded him too much of his wife..
After many hours of pleading with the person in charge there..who assured us that this cat WAS going to die..they finally came to the party that we were willing to give them 80 bucks so this cat could come home and die at our house...Needless to say..Possum is alive and well..he sleeps between us and 2 dogs every night..with Gypsy..under the bed.. cause she’s as big as I am..
Since then we got a 10 dollar dog from the pound..and she brought one home that was beside the road..
I cant say much to her..I paid someone 1300 dollars to get a baby kangaroo out of a bird cage it was being kept in..Harley was his name and he lived a good life here until he died 3 years ago..he got along great with the dogs and the cat..
Over the years we have adopted 4 full blooded wolves and a cougar.. all of which lived their lives out and are now gone..it never ceases to amaze me how people will buy these things only to become afraid of them and have to give them to someone like me..
Counting the deer that someone took out of the woods..only to find out that they didnt know how to care for it..we have 7 animals living here at the moment..
I say “at the moment” because she has gone to town..God himself only knows what she could turn back up here with..but whatever or whenever she does..it’ll have a home too..
It’s nice to know that a new facility is being built though...cause you cant save them all..
..but she does give it her best shot..