I am a resident of Conway, South Carolina, and in less than two years, I have found over 30 abandoned dogs or puppies in my local area. Those of us who are willing to help can only do so much. At night, I hear the harrowing sounds of dogs being attacked by coyotes off in the distance; during the day, I see their lifeless bodies on the sides of our roads. This is not just an issue that affects me personally but one that plagues our entire state.

South Carolina has a significant problem with animal abandonment - particularly dogs. Every day across our state, these innocent creatures are dumped in fields, parking lots, parks and stores. Some are left tied to trees deep within woods with no chance of survival; others fall victim to cars or landowners' bullets while many starve to death or get attacked by wildlife.

This level of cruelty towards animals is not only heartbreaking but also unacceptable and it's time we held people accountable for such actions.

We need stricter laws against animal abandonment and higher fines for those found guilty. By doing so we will be sending a clear message that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated anymore in South Carolina.

Please join me in urging our lawmakers to take immediate action on this pressing issue. Sign this petition today because every signature brings us one step closer to ending this cruel practice once and for all.