The Aiken County Animal Shelter is feeling the frustration of staggering intake numbers. During the first two months of 2025, the shelter received 843 dogs and cats.
Of those animals, 173 were owner surrendered for many reasons – unwanted litters, moving, too many animals in the home, etc. Some were even court ordered neglect and cruelty cases. There are too many amazing pets currently at the shelter through no fault of their own, and we desperately need homes for them.
I know, I know…we are always asking, but we cannot continue to save lives without our community’s help.
If you have an unaltered pet, keep them home. We understand that many people lost fences during the hurricane and that there are dogs roaming loose, but it is the owner’s responsibility to contain their pets. More than 230 puppies have been received at the shelter this year, which is a scary number.
Loose pets are getting injured and maimed
We are taking in too many injured pets due to improper care and neglect. Barely three months old, Little Dawby was found injured by someone passing by on the road. He is now healing in foster care.
Poor Fred came to us after being attacked by other dogs. Luckily, he wandered into the right yard where someone reached out to Animal Code Enforcement for help. Fred is now healed, healthy and available for adoption.
Percival was also picked up from a local mobile home park where there were many stray dogs roaming. Poor Percy was severely injured and in need of urgent care. This sweet, quiet, loving dog is now healing at the shelter.
Bling, Cruise, Latte and Kenzi are all puppies that were dumped together, clearly an unwanted litter that needed saving. They are truly sweet, loving, wonderful puppies that are now available for adoption.
Two-year-old Tunder was found tied to a power pole. I mean, really?! He is the cutest little guy full of love and wiggles, yet someone just abandoned him!
All I am saying is that we can do better….
Teaching children to respect animals
We recently had our Junior FOTAS Club from Tall Pines STEM Academy come for a tour. They met many pets, and they were like sponges! They didn’t understand why we had such nice dogs and cats that were abandoned or part of neglect and cruelty cases.
By educating our young people, we hope to change our community’s way of thinking. Pets are not disposable. Pets are family. Care for your pets like family, provide their basic needs of food, clean water, shelter and LOVE.
Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator
