Every year, thousands of animals in South Carolina suffer due to overpopulation, neglect, and being lost without identification. Our shelters are overwhelmed, and countless healthy, adoptable pets are euthanized—not because they’re unwanted, but because there simply aren’t enough homes. This crisis is preventable.

We are urging the South Carolina General Assembly to pass legislation that will:

Key Provisions of the Law:

 1. Mandatory Spaying & Neutering – All pets must be spayed or neutered, except for registered breeders and animals with verified medical conditions.

 2. Microchipping Requirement – All owned pets must be microchipped to help reunite lost animals with their families quickly and efficiently.

 3. Breeder Licensing & Crackdown on Illegal Breeding – All breeders must be licensed. Unlicensed breeding will be considered illegal, leading to arrest and legal consequences.

 4. Animal Abuse = Criminal Offense – Any form of animal abuse, neglect, or mistreatment will lead to arrest and prosecution.

 5. Stray or Unaltered Pets in Shelters Must Be Fixed – If an unspayed or unneutered pet is picked up and identified as belonging to an owner, the shelter will mandatorily spay/neuter the pet. The owner must pay for the procedure out of pocket and will face a non-removable fine until it is paid in full.

 6. Collar & ID Tag Requirement – All pets must wear a collar with an identification tag displaying the owner’s name, phone number, and address at all times. Failure to comply will result in a fine.

Why This Law Is Urgent:

 • Overpopulation Crisis: Shelters across South Carolina are at capacity, euthanizing animals simply to make space. Spaying and neutering will reduce the number of homeless pets.

 • Lost Pets Reunited: Pets with microchips are 20 times more likely to be returned to their owners. Identification tags will also ensure lost pets are found quickly.

 • Holding Owners Accountable: Pet owners must take responsibility for their animals by keeping them fixed, microchipped, and properly identified.

 • Financial Relief for Taxpayers: Caring for stray animals costs South Carolina millions of dollars annually. This law would reduce overpopulation and shelter costs.

 • Health & Safety: Spaying/neutering improves pets’ health and reduces aggressive behaviors. Fewer stray animals also mean fewer risks of bites, accidents, and disease spread.

How You Can Help:

- Have your pets spayed or neutered.

- Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to do the same.

- Adopt from shelters instead of buying from breeders.

- Boycott pet stores that sell animals from unlicensed breeders.

- Urge local shelters to offer low-cost spay/neuter clinics.

- Support the introduction of stronger animal welfare laws.

By signing this petition, you’re standing up for the animals who don’t have a voice, for responsible pet ownership, and for a more compassionate South Carolina.

Together, we can create lasting change. Sign this petition to support a law that will save lives, reduce suffering, and hold irresponsible pet owners accountable!