On Saturday, September 9, 2023, we entrusted our beloved dog Rex to Carolina Boarding & Kennel in Summerville, South Carolina. To our despair and disbelief, Rex went missing during his stay and the kennel's owner has provided little support or assistance in locating him. The explanations given about how Rex "got out" have been inconsistent and raise serious concerns about neglect.

This is not just about a lost pet - this is about a member of our family who may have suffered due to inadequate regulations governing boarding kennels in South Carolina. Dogs are more than property; they are cherished companions whose welfare should be safeguarded by robust rules and regulations.

Currently, there are no specific state requirements for boarding kennels beyond basic animal cruelty laws. This lack of regulation leaves room for potential negligence and mistreatment of animals under their care (source: Animal Legal & Historical Center). We demand that the South Carolina legislature enact strict regulations for boarding kennels that include regular inspections, mandatory reporting of incidents involving the animals under their care, stringent staff training requirements on animal care and handling procedures.

By signing this petition you're advocating for better protection of pets like Rex who deserve safe environments when their families can't be with them. Please sign this petition today to help us bring change to South Carolina's boarding kennel industry.