SC, Chesterfield County settle dog shootings case

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and Chesterfield County Sheriff Sam Parker have agreed that the county will in the future abide by state law that generally bans shooting dogs as a means of euthanasia.

The order stems from a March incident at the county animal shelter in which at least three dogs were shot to death. State law permits shooting of animals for euthanasia in only narrow circumstances.

The county shelter workers have since been fired.

Under the order, which must still be approved by county council and a state judge, county workers must strictly comply with state laws governing euthanasia of animals.

The order says if there are violations, the state can hold county officials in contempt and prosecute the offenders.