Cat and dog overpopulation is a chronic issue in rural South Carolina because people do not have access to low-cost spay/neuter programs.  The closest low-cost program is an hour away which typically requires driving to Columbia or Florence to drop off the cat and then returning that afternoon or the next day to pick up, resulting in 4 hours of driving. No one is going to do that to save money, yet they can't afford to pay $250 plus dollars at the vet's office. The result is an overabundance of unwanted animals.

Animal control and the SPCA do not have programs to address this issue. Animal control does not pick up or accept cats / kittens, and have no facilities for felines. The SPCA accepts surrenders but has very little space and are often faced with the decision to euthanize. Rescue groups are left to address the majority of the issues, provide care and find homes for healthy, socialized cats and kittens with no funding from local government or corporate donations other than Petco. Most of the funds come from very small private donations and the rescuers own pockets. Rescue groups also are the only ones who trap-neuter-and-release feral/stray cats. Local government does not fund this activity.

This petition is asking for people to voice their support for local government to provide support for a low-cost spay neuter program that would in turn help support an aggressive TNR program. These controls are necessary to control the overpopulation, which is a community issue. We are asking community leaders, local government, corporate leaders, to provide the support and resources to control this issue.  We are also asking our city/county leaders and council members to designate funds to support rescue groups who aid in animal control. Animal control is not just dogs. 

If you would like your tax dollars and corporate charity funds used to support a local, county low-cost spay/neuter program and other rescue services needed to control the animal overpopulation, please sign this petition.