Protect the innocent fur babies of the Lee County Animal Shelter
Protect the innocent fur babies of the Lee County Animal Shelter
The Issue
The Lee County Animal Shelter is located in the rural town of Bishopville, SC. Despite limited funding, barely any local adoptions, and hardly any volunteers, they have miraculously managed to keep their euthanasia numbers at a minimum. They have not had to euthanize for space in a very long time thanks to their dedicated rescue partners and long time rescue coordinator.
In September 2022, the Director resigned and the County did not fill the position. This put a strain on current staff as they had limited guidance and support. In April, community members addressed County Council and advocated for the position to be filled. They also voiced concern over a newly passed policy that animals could be euthanized for space.
In response, the County did fill the position but with someone who is inexperienced and unqualified. I truly believe this was done out of spite because of the members who voiced concerns. More animals have died since the new director began on May 8, 2023 than in the last year due to gross negligence and recklessness.
Vet staff, employees, volunteers and community members have reached out to the County to express their concerns. The County has turned a blind eye and instead of rectifying the issues, they have ousted those who have spoke up.
Infectious animals have been housed with healthy animals.
Animals were fed non age appropriate foods (hard adult kibble was given to kittens that should have still been nursing).
Newborn kittens have been placed in rooms with air conditioners left to freeze to death in 60 degree temps.
Kittens that should have weighed multiple pounds for their age only weighed 10 ounces.
Animals who have been at the shelter for many months have begun testing positive for Parvo due to cross contamination and safety and health protocols not being followed.
Mold and maggots have been observed in cages with animals.
Prescribed medications are not being administered as directed by Vet staff.
A recently released surgical patient redeveloped a hernia which went unnoticed by staff. That kitten should have been closely watched upon discharge.
A puppy was mauled to death by another dog because someone negligently placed them near one another and did not properly secure a kennel. This resulted in the attacking dog being euthanized as well. Two fur baby lives lost due to negligence. Days later, the same kennels were left open AGAIN.
Animals were observed to be sick and were left to die alone. There was no effort made to help them either get treatment or help them peacefully cross the rainbow bridge. Instead, they were left alone to suffer and die in cages.
Unaltered animals have been released to the public with no rabies vaccinations or proof of ownership by the County Administrator himself.
Animals have been observed covered in days old feces because the County refuses to supply them with a tub/bathing station. The County Administrator told them to wash the animals in the sink with a hose as there is no water supply.
I am asking for support in advocating for the immediate dismissal of the current director, the hiring of a competent, experienced, educated and qualified director, and for the County to be held accountable for the deaths of the innocent babies.
For more information and updates, join our FB group.
3,439
The Issue
The Lee County Animal Shelter is located in the rural town of Bishopville, SC. Despite limited funding, barely any local adoptions, and hardly any volunteers, they have miraculously managed to keep their euthanasia numbers at a minimum. They have not had to euthanize for space in a very long time thanks to their dedicated rescue partners and long time rescue coordinator.
In September 2022, the Director resigned and the County did not fill the position. This put a strain on current staff as they had limited guidance and support. In April, community members addressed County Council and advocated for the position to be filled. They also voiced concern over a newly passed policy that animals could be euthanized for space.
In response, the County did fill the position but with someone who is inexperienced and unqualified. I truly believe this was done out of spite because of the members who voiced concerns. More animals have died since the new director began on May 8, 2023 than in the last year due to gross negligence and recklessness.
Vet staff, employees, volunteers and community members have reached out to the County to express their concerns. The County has turned a blind eye and instead of rectifying the issues, they have ousted those who have spoke up.
Infectious animals have been housed with healthy animals.
Animals were fed non age appropriate foods (hard adult kibble was given to kittens that should have still been nursing).
Newborn kittens have been placed in rooms with air conditioners left to freeze to death in 60 degree temps.
Kittens that should have weighed multiple pounds for their age only weighed 10 ounces.
Animals who have been at the shelter for many months have begun testing positive for Parvo due to cross contamination and safety and health protocols not being followed.
Mold and maggots have been observed in cages with animals.
Prescribed medications are not being administered as directed by Vet staff.
A recently released surgical patient redeveloped a hernia which went unnoticed by staff. That kitten should have been closely watched upon discharge.
A puppy was mauled to death by another dog because someone negligently placed them near one another and did not properly secure a kennel. This resulted in the attacking dog being euthanized as well. Two fur baby lives lost due to negligence. Days later, the same kennels were left open AGAIN.
Animals were observed to be sick and were left to die alone. There was no effort made to help them either get treatment or help them peacefully cross the rainbow bridge. Instead, they were left alone to suffer and die in cages.
Unaltered animals have been released to the public with no rabies vaccinations or proof of ownership by the County Administrator himself.
Animals have been observed covered in days old feces because the County refuses to supply them with a tub/bathing station. The County Administrator told them to wash the animals in the sink with a hose as there is no water supply.
I am asking for support in advocating for the immediate dismissal of the current director, the hiring of a competent, experienced, educated and qualified director, and for the County to be held accountable for the deaths of the innocent babies.
For more information and updates, join our FB group.
3,439
Petition created on June 4, 2023