As a devoted animal lover dwelling in Lexington County, SC, I am deeply distressed by the proliferation of backyard dog breeders contributing to a burgeoning dog overpopulation issue. Even though there is supposed to be a breeder law, no one is taking it serious and our local shelters and animal rescue centers are teeming beyond capacity with no room to accommodate stray or abandoned dogs. Unfortunately, this is a pervasive problem, particularly in the rural areas of Lexington County, where innocent dogs are abandoned every day. Lexington County Animal Shelter's Stat's from 3/31/25-4/6/25 are shown below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People also continue to sell litters and litters of puppies and dogs on Facebook by simply saying they are “rehoming”. There are signs along the roadways advertising puppies. 

Individuals breeding pit bull/pit bull type dogs are the biggest concern. Pit bulls are the majority in shelters and rescues, the most neglected and abused, and the most euthanized in the US with an estimated euthanasia rate of 93%. Certification along with strict enforcement would save so many of these innocent lives from having to experience abuse and neglect and could prevent these dogs from getting in to the wrong hands, especially dog fighters which are continually making the headlines from dog fighting ring busts.

 

 

 

 

 

Strict enforcement would reduce the population of pit bull type dogs and reduce the horrific environments that they are living in that may contribute to behavioral issues. On a more personal note, I have 3 pit bull rescues that were abused, starved, and abandoned. I do not want anymore pit bull/pit bull type dogs living a life of pure hell. Also, on top of the multitude of negative factors above, there are disturbing hate groups spreading false information like wildfire on social media that promote violence, torture, & mass killing of these dogs.

Examples of the hatred currently being displayed on Facebook:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my own personal experience, pit bull/mixes are the most loyal breed I've had experience with thus far. 

The grim reality is, these dogs often end up being euthanized in mass numbers — a cost borne by taxpayers. This heart-wrenching situation should not fall on the shoulders of a hand full of people to resolve, it is financially and mentally exhausting. This is certainly not the animals fault. This is a greed problem of the human race. It is a bitter pill to swallow from the irresponsible actions of reckless breeders, and it must not continue. There has got to be enforcement or the breeder law does NOT work and this problem will continue to snowball. It is already out of control. 

By imposing mandatory certification and strict enforcement for all dog breeders particularly, pit bull type breeders, we can set stringent standards of care and ethical breeding practices. This would ensure that only certified individuals, held accountable to a strict code of ethics, can breed dogs— thereby curbing overbreeding and shelter overpopulation and most importantly, protecting the wellbeing of our canine companions.

It's time for the local government to start taking concrete measures to regulate dog breeding in Lexington County and every county in South Carolina: we demand the mandatory certification and strict enforcement of all dog breeders. Commercials, letters, announcements on social media from news outlets, billboards, etc need to be broadcasted as a general warning to the public. Many people aren’t even aware of the new rules and regulations. Sign this petition today to help end this escalating animal welfare crisis in our community. 

 

The dog in the image was named “Titus”. He was dumped & found beside a road in Orangeburg County, SC. Saving Animals Southern Style Rescue & many others rallied and tried all they could to save him.  Titus ended up passing away from complications of starvation.