Jasper County, South Carolina – Spay and neuter has long been advocated for by animal shelters, but when one specific breed became overpopulated in Jasper County, lobbying became an emergency.
“If we don’t want to euthanize animals, and nobody wants to do so, right? Chris VanGeison, a Jasper County politician, said, “We have to get control of it.”
Jasper County Council passed a 60-day emergency legislation after receiving approximately 5-6 dogs per day into the shelter.
According to VanGeison, around 85% of these canines are Pitbull and Bully-like breeds.
“The ordinance basically states that all bully breeds have to be neutered or spayed,” VanGeison told me.
The Charleston Animal Society wrote a letter in support of the ordinance.
Joe Elmore, president and CEO of Charleston Animal Society, stated, “What we have witnessed over the previous two decades is that the pit bull grouping of breeds has not disappeared. Unlike other varieties that have tapered down and declined over time, this one has continued to grow. And that’s why we need these mitigating elements to reduce overpopulation and save these magnificent pets.”
Elmore stated that they want to see a reduction in overpopulation, not a ban on the breeds.
He clarified that the action is not discriminatory toward the breed, but rather essential owing to local shelter and state data.
“The more overpopulated animals become, the more strays you’re going to have out on the streets,” Elmore said. “And this particular grouping of canines, the more of them that are out in the community stray, then more than likely more of them are going to slip into the hands of individuals who are not going to be responsible pet owners.”
Pitbull-type dogs, according to Elmore, have been the most common intake and euthanasia canine over the last two decades.
The Charleston Animal Society sponsored the support letter, which called the pit-like breed overpopulation a public safety issue in Jasper County.
“This is well known and certainly documented, that the grouping, the pit bull type of dog grouping is the preferred type of dog that dogfighters use in that endeavor, which is a felony level offense in all 50 United States, including South Carolina,” Elmore went on. “That grouping of dogs are also the most responsible for fatal dog attacks in both South Carolina and in the United States.”
Elmore stated that a big reduction would provide relief to both taxpayers and public safety.
The rule is intended to reduce the overabundance of pit and bully-like strays while also prohibiting backyard breeding and puppy mills.
The emergency ordinance allows breed owners to fix their animals for free for 60 days.
Councilman VanGeisan stated that the Bissell organization is spending $1,000 per day to provide residents with free spay and neuter treatments.
“Please take advantage because it is free, correct? They will pick up the dog. They will return the dog. “That’s a big deal,” VanGeison explained. “We do not want to be recognized for euthanizing animals. We do not want to start doing that. And we decided this was the finest strategy to try to control the population while being completely free of charge to Jasper County residents.”
After the 60-day emergency ordinance expires, the county will reassess where they are.
Officials stated that failure to comply with the ordinance will result in penalties and fines.
“If you’re going to own an animal, you know, you should treat it like your child and take care of it and maintain it the way it needs to be done,” VanGeison told me.
