The request is for the ordinance to include mandatory spay/neutering and microchipping for cats and dogs.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — One local group is pushing for the City of Columbia to adopt an ordinance aimed at addressing the issue of shelters overrun with dogs and cats.
The proposal comes amidst a rising number of homeless pets and strained animal shelters.
“It's just to the point we need help, we can't adopt our way out of this problem,” says Helen Cotton, Foster manager with Pawmetto Lifeline.
Cotton, along with numerous supporters, gathered outside Columbia City Hall, advocating for the adoption of a spay and neuter ordinance.
The goal is to alleviate the strain on animal shelters and reduce the number of homeless pets.
“One dog can have an average of 5 puppies, and let's say they have 3 litters a year. That's a lot of puppies just for one dog, and so that's what we're trying to prevent all of the puppies coming into the shelter,” Cotton explained.
According to Pawmetto Lifeline, an animal protection non-profit, between July 2021 to June 2022, more than 8,400 homeless dogs and cats entered Richland and Lexington County shelters. Over 1,600 were euthanized during this period.
Denise Wilkinson, CEO of Pawmetto Lifeline, recommended four changes to the City of Columbia's ordinance.
“A mandatory spay/neuter/microchipping ordinance for cats and dogs, complaint-driven only. There are plenty of responsible pet owners out there we are not targeting those people, but we are looking at individuals who get a complaint, once that complaint is filed we want it to be mandated that dog or cat be altered.”
The proposed ordinance would require pet owners who receive an official complaint for the care of their pet to have them altered.
However, local breeder Corey Hawkins urged caution, suggesting a reasonable timeline before altering or euthanizing unidentified dogs, “If they pick them up and they are not tagged, can't be identified, there's no way to get in contact with the owner, then I think there should be a time limit before they spay the dog.”
Columbia City Council Member Dr. Aditi Bussells highlighted the severity of the issue.
“One thing is clear—overcrowding is an issue, and our animal services are very much overburdened, in terms of the rescues they are taking in. The next steps are to really explore what's feasible regionally. We can't move forward with any changes to our spay and neuter ordinance and licensing program without Richland County on board, being that 60% of our animals are from the county.”
Bussells says as they explore feasibility and recommendations they hope to present proposed changes to cIty council over the next couple of months.
