Topic: Anderson's Animals

SSHM - "As for the Trexler's . . . their abuse of animals was not just in Richland County. Read here:

http://www.wistv.com/global/story.asp?s=7935144

Sumter County . . . Jefferson County in Georgia . . . hello . . ."

Hello - Martin case, SCARE, Jill Andrews?

Texler's made the Drudge Report

I want to make sure people are aware of what is going on nationally as it affects South Carolina and Anderson. Please follow the links and read about what is all ready a problem in our state. Because we work with the Sheriff to provide space for the animals they come across, we do not "take in unwanted horses". PEARL does keep a list of people who call who are interested in different animals, donkeys, mini horses, goats, horses, etc., and try to match them up with people who can no longer afford their livestock.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-03-23-Horses_N.htm

This blog reflects the national discussions about the problems every state faces. There are too many rescue blogs to keep up with but this blog is representative of what is being discussed daily.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/08/homeless-on-the.html

Horses have been reported abandoned in our state as well. Last time I spoke with the local Purina feed representative he told me he had gone to bed with his four horses in his pasture and woken up with six.

The problems are real and are increasing. Along with the unwanted horses are other problems the county faces. Last night an Appaloosa horse was found running down the road by Saddlers Creek. It was caught and put up at a nearby farm. Many people work in the back ground to support these animals with little or no recognition. The family, who allowed the horse to be brought on their farm, put their own horses at risk because of the possibility of disease or parasites. Livestock out in the road happens frequently in our county. It is not a news worthy issue so it is under reported.

Today in Pickens the effect of the drought was acknowledged by Gov. Sanford. Hay is very difficult to find and afford. We hope Anderson and the surrounding counties will begin to think about how this can impact owners of livestock and the potential problems they will face.

http://www.wyff4.com/news/17182762/detail.html#-

PEARL's focus is horses but the plight of the unwanted animals is all encompassing. All the unwanted, abused, neglected or abandoned animals need to be attended until we can resolve the cuauses.

The following went to the County Council

I am the Chair of Palmetto Equine Awareness & Rescue League. We have assisted the Sheriff with over 20 horses and several veterinary field assessments in the past year. PEARL has paid all the costs for this community service. We have also provided training classes for cruelty investigations, safe capture and handling of horses and rescue training.

While the county is addressing the new animal shelter it is time that the county provide space for all the animals in the county. My husband and I met with Greg Smith and offered a basic plan for a small functional facility that will hold goats, cattle, llamas, sheep, horses, donkeys, mules and other animals that the sheriff's office has had to deal with this past year. The cost is less than the value of the donated land.

We are asking that 2.5% of the budgeted amount for the shelter be set aside and earmarked for a large animal facility. Having this facility considered "if there is any money left over", is a guarantee that this need is being given no serious consideration.

The current plans for the shelter include a surgical facility for the Anderson Humane Society for a "low cost spay neuter clinic". The county has a great need for such a service. The county also has a great need to provide a place to bring the other animals that the Sheriff has to deal with. The South Carolina Code of laws says all animals must be protected from cruelty, abuse or abandonment. If we expect the Sheriff to do this with no additional funding, equipment and personnel, the county should at least provide him with a place to put the animals.

2.5% percent of the budgeted amount of 3.2 million would cover the cost. That is less than the value of the land that was donated. We have asked the County Council to amend the Ordinance for the General Obligation Bond 2008 so this is no longer something that might be done but something that is will be done.

Nicole Walukewicz

In addition to this we suggested that there might be funding through CART programs as the facility could be used in the event of an evacuation situation and grant funding for the inmate program (as Wateree received this past year), and some other possible sources. It is unreasonable that given the amount of money planned for the new shelter, that this relatively small amount of funding and effort is not being seriously made.

deleted - duplicate post - sorry

I think the first thing the new Animal shelter should do the first day they get it open is to round up all the Rick is Wrong Gang and anyone else connected with their dirty politic`s and euthanize all of them.That would solve most of our local problems,and do a lot for mankind in general.

Nicole,
Are you asking for the county to build a barn with accompanying pastureland?

why not

Nicole,Are you asking for the county to build a barn with accompanying pastureland?

-steelydan

That makes what we want sound luxurious. While I would love them to build a lovely barn and grow some pastureland we have something less spectacular and more bare bones in mind.

There are several options. We discussed using space inside the shelter set off in a corner but they only want the building for pets. What we suggested as an alternative was a simple shed row with a few 12 X 12 stalls, a storage room, and a set of stocks and area you can wash off wounds or treat skin problems. The plan has 3, 1/4 acre paddocks (usually dry lots and better for starvation cases) cross fenced so there is no fighting over fence lines. The fencing will hold livestock. Entire space required for that plan is one acre. Luxury would be an additional full acre fenced for more room.

The paddocks can be used as play areas for dogs that are being walked with ball throwing and such and we have some suggestions on getting some program support by looking at funding sources available through grants. Greg Smith said they were considering the CART funding as it can be used for an county agricultural response to a disaster as well. (CART)

Keep in mind; this is 2.5% of what has been budgeted for the animal shelter.

MCW tried to make too many changes all at once and added the livestock facility issue into the mix. She made it part of an all or nothing amendment and got nothing. She was trying to reduce the pork spending and have half go towards roads. Everyone got their pet project though. Too bad the Sheriff can't round up all that pork. Have someone else ask for it as a separate amendment and see who the animal lovers are.

SSHM - you make them do just that! Good idea and I like the name but it will wind up as Anderson ARC