By Clarrissa Glowe
Director, Kershaw County Humane Society
Kershaw County Humane Society is in dire need of fosters, adopters, volunteers and legislators who care about the animals. The staff are amazing and working all hours to protect our Resident and County animals. But it unfortunately does not stop the daily intake of strays, surrendered and abandoned animals. Our community Shelter are unfortunately always operating at TRIPLE their capacity levels.
The county should be proud of their shelter, very proud. But not proud of those intake numbers. They need help. And the staff that carry all those innocent lives need help. The staff are heros. Forgotten heros.
Proud does not cut it in this day of disposable, abandoned, neglected and abused animals.
On a daily basis, the shelter takes in dogs and cats denied the very basic care all animals deserve.
Basic care means consistent food, clean water, shelter from the elements, age appropriate vaccines or titers, heart-worm testing/treatment, a clean environment, spaying/neutering and last but not least human attention from those who care about them and understand them.
In 2025 our shelter has taken in 1322 dogs and 942 cats from 1/2025-10/10/2025. For reference, last year’s numbers ending in December 2024 were 1555 dogs and 945 cats.
Any one want to bet the intake numbers exceed last years?
Euthanasia is not the answer to this problem. Adoptions are at an all time low. Rescues are full and unable to keep up with the “At risk” animals from shelters all across our state. -Responsible dog owners and laws to protect them are the answer. Access to low cost spay and neuter is a MUST. Aswell as mandatory microchipping and/or pet registration.
In 2024 South Carolina ranked #40 out of 50 states in the US for Animal Protection Laws. (Aldf.org/state rankings)
This is nothing to be proud of and S.C. can do much better. We can do much better Kershaw County. In South Carolina animals are considered “property” which means they have no rights. This is outdated and wrong. Property objectifies a sentient being, making it easier for the law to avoid punishing people who intentionally mistreat animals.
Studies have shown a dog’s brain capacity to be of a 2-3 year old. In an MRI a dog’s area of the brain lights up similar to a child’s brain when they interact with their parents/owners or smell their scent. (Dr. Gregory Berns, neuroscientist at Emory University.)
Dogs are social pack animals who want to be with their people. They don’t want to be tied out in the backyard for hours/ days or sadly forever. They deserve so much more.
We know the problems but what are the solutions?
The public needs to contact their local representatives: county, and state representatives. Make your voice heard fix this county/state problem. The web site to find out who they are is www.scstatehouse.gov
In my opinion, the definition of “property “ needs to change perhaps to sentient being. At least give them a real chance with some understanding. More charges changed from misdemeanor to felony with mandatory sentencing. Too many offenders get off with a slap on the wrist which lends itself to repeat behavior because of little consequences.
We are not advocating taking away your rights to own a dog/cat. We are advocating for people to join our mission, and for animals to have rights However, sadly there are times we need laws to instill human decency.
Until laws change your wonderful shelter staff are left to clean up the mess, and the staff is exhausted. The animals are in dire need. We must do better Kershaw County.
