Humane Society Saving One Pet at a Time

The Humane Society of South Carolina works to cut down on pet over population

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – November 22 marks the anniversary of the Humane Society of the United States, an agency founded to help protect the be interest of animals, including cruelty and overpopulation.  Working in conjunction, and sharing the mission are local agencies like the Humane Society of South Carolina.

“A cat can produce over 8,000 offspring within seven years,” according to Executive Director Wayne Brunnessel of the multiples that lead to the euthanasia of over 15,000 dogs and cats every year in the Midlands.  “These are simply unwanted animals,” he says.

The Humane Society of South Carolina, appropriately located on Humane Lane, offers low-cost pet alterations, in an effort to cut down on over population, pointing out that often people who love their pets simply can’t afford to take them to a traditional veterinarian.

The Humane Society also has an animal cruelty unit, which investigates reports of abuse and cruelty to animals all over the Palmetto State.  “Sometimes,” says Brunnessel, “it isn’t a case of simple cruelty;  There are many times that a pet owner or animal caretaker has the best of intentions, however, can no longer care for it because of financial or health reasons.”  The cruelty investigation team works with local law enforcement to determine the best outcome for the animal, which often means it stays with the owner, who is then given assistance to care for it.

The Humane Society of South Carolina is working with various shelters and the City of Columbia on an initiative called No Kill Columbia, where options such as relocation and larger efforts to ensure all pets are spayed or neutered are being utilized, with a goal of 2017.

The Humane Society of South Carolina is funded by private donations and revenue generated from the alteration services.  If you would like information on having your pet altered, volunteering, or another means of support, check out their website HERE.

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