Tuesday, Horry County Council will discuss proposed amendments on how to puppy mills and kitty mills as well as take input from the public.
The county says animals from these mills often have health issues and leaders decided to do something about it after finding several in the county this year.
In March, News 13 reported about 150 dogs were seized from what police called a “puppy mill” at the home of Renee James; a woman who operated a pet store in Conway.
In a News 13 investigation, we discovered a police report dated March of 2014 where James had a similar incident where 124 dogs were seized from her property because she told police she could not take care of them according to the report.
In the weeks that followed the puppy mill bust, many asked local state representatives for stricter laws in these situations, but they said a lot of the work has to happen on local levels like the county.
And now it seems that is what Horry County is looking to do.
New amendments proposed to the county’s animal cruelty ordinances would require safer and
healthier conditions for animals owned by breeders.
It would also include mandatory shots and vaccines for all pets of breeders.
And the new amendments prevent anyone charged with breaking the ordinance from selling pets in the county again.
Many have demanded stricter punishments.
But, the penalties for violating the ordinance have not changed.
The ordinance will still remain as a misdemeanor crime at most.
Horry County Council will have public input during Tuesday’s County Council meeting.
Council requires people interested in speaking to sign up before the actual 6 p.m. meeting.
