Changes could be coming to Charleston County animal welfare ordinance

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) –After the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office responded to an animal check on John’s Island last week, county leaders are now discussing updating their animal welfare ordinances. They want to fill a gap in the ordinance, to give animal control officers clear guidelines to respond to situations like the one on John’s Island.

Last week, Charleston County deputies responded to an animal welfare check on John’s Island. According to an incident report, they found 25 canines in around 15 kennels, while deputies say they had adequate food and water and appeared healthy, the kennels were deemed not suitable for outdoor use.

All animals were removed from the property to better conditions, with the owner’s cooperation. The incident sparked public concern and led to Charleston County Councilmember Joe Boykin and Sheriff Carl Ritchie discussing updating the county ordinance.

“We found there was a gap in the coverage of our ordinances to cover a situation like this where the animals were in good health and were not in distress at the moment, but it was a situation where the owner was not in a position to maintain the proper care for the animals, and they probably would have likely found themselves in the distress,” said Councilmember Joe Boykin of District 8.

Right now, the county ordinance does not specify what to do in a situation like the one on John’s Island. Boykin says updating the ordinance will give Charleston County Animal Control officers clear guidelines.

Pet Helpers released a statement saying in part: “Any new laws that work to improve the lives and treatment of animals in our community are a step in the right direction”

“We’re scheduling a meeting next week and inviting in some more subject matter experts from Pet Helpers and mental health to weigh in, craft the wording and make sure we have the coverage in there, so we know we’re providing for those animals and those owners too. We don’t want this to be punitive; we want it to be where if someone is in this situation, we can offer services to them so these animals can be properly taken care of,” said Boykin.

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying in part: “The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office wants the community to know that we take this situation seriously. Deputies with the CCSO animal control unit work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all living things throughout the county, making sure they are cared for as if they were their own.”

Councilmen Boykin says he will meet with partners next week to further discuss the ordinance before bringing to County Council committee.