We the people of the State of SC are asking for laws that aid in Animal Welfare. House Bill H.3086 being considered by the SC Agricultural Committee is only a beginning and it falls short of what is needed to protect Dogs that are Undervalued, Overbred, Abused, Fought, Dumped and Killed in South Carolina. Our courts are unable to charge offenders and repeat offenders for these offensive actions because there are no laws to back them up. This is the reality in South Carolina. Our shelters are over full. Our rescues efforts are maxed out. Thousands of dogs are euthanized because we are out of space. Many people don't care and we have elected you to represent  those of us who do. The majority of your constituents are waiting for YOU to make a difference. Why do we have to petition YOU to do the right thing. We can only assume that you are unaware of the level this reaches in our state. Please consider that on a daily basis animals are living in horrid conditions. "Being Southern" is no excuse for the lack of caring. We must raise the bar for animals in SC. 

* Particular to House Bill 3086. 47-3-1070 The ideas that this does not pertain to hunting dogs is already an oversite. These breeders should also be monitored as they too are in the business of breeding dogs in poor living conditions. Again, being Southern is no excuse! Are you aware that following hunting season the # of beagles abandoned and dumped is huge throughout SC. These dogs are left to fend for themselves because they are not longer of use. The next season a new group of dogs are  bred, sold and used for a few months and the cycle repeats itself. These dogs are picked up by good samaritans and again, our shelters fill up and our rescues are overburdened. Leaving these breeders out of the solutions would be a critical mistake. 

Regarding those breeders who sell to pet shops. Where do you believe most of the dogs in horrid conditions are headed? This is the most critical breeder to include as the people purchasing these dogs NEVER see where they came from. The conditions go unnoticed. The mama dogs are abused to the point of death until these breeders are found and reported and you let them off the hook because they sell to pet stores! There are no consequences ! Talk about Sex Trafficking! 

Please be away that the bill as written is weak and we are asking YOU to represent us  as you should. Future bills should include law making efforts for those fighting and housing bully breeds in inhumane conditions. We MUST have laws in place to STOP this immoral activity which is a byproduct of Drug activity. Where there is dog fighting there are drugs. 

 We are watching closely and are in hope's that your committee will make a difference in 2019/20. You certainly have our support in your efforts to improve welfare for animals in South Carolina. Let's raise the standards as an example for all Southern States to follow. 

Thank you for your service to the citizens of our beautiful state !