FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Leaders in Marlboro County admit they’ve had a problem with stray dogs for years.
Since then, the county has teamed up with the humane society and they’ve opened a new animal shelter back in October.
“It was perfect for what we need. Kenny Hinson, our Vice President…she and I actually rode by one day. And she actually said that building would be perfect for what we need,” said Jennifer Hyduke, President of the Marlboro County Humane Society.
It’s the first time in several years the county has had an animal control program.
The humane society says the new facility is better suited for its needs compared to the previous location on Wallace Rd.
“We have the capacity to hold more dogs here and there’s not a day that goes by that we are not full,” Hyduke stated.
Since the shelter has opened, a reported 139 stray dogs were picked up throughout the county.
117 were either sent to rescue groups or adopted.
“People just don’t think about it. They are not used to spaying and neutering. They don’t understand what happens when you have that one litter of puppies,” explained Hyduke.
In South Carolina, there are no real strict spay and neuter laws.
Only animals adopted from a shelter have to be spayed and neuter and that only comes as a promise from the owner.
“Since we’re in here with the county, it has alleviated us from having the burden of shelter duty which was huge for us,” Hyduke said.
Those with the shelter say overcrowding hasn’t been a problem so far.
On January 28th and 29th starting at 7:00 am, they will hold and a spay and neuter event at the shelter.
For more information regarding the shelter click here.
