YORK COUNTY, S.C. — Common challenges for stray animals anywhere include being abandoned or born roaming the streets. Unfortunately, it's a challenge that rings true in York County, South Carolina.
"You hate to see it," said one resident who spoke with WCNC Charlotte.
Some neighbors say the issue is only getting worse, with some speaking out at county meetings.
"The number of strays is trending upwards, and the amount of rescue assistance to animal control is trending downwards," said a speaker during a recent county government meeting.
Alli Davidson is a volunteer with Halfway There Rescue. She said as they struggle to meet the need she’s asking owners to be proactive and get their pets spayed or neutered.
"The York County shelter is constantly overflowing with puppies, senior dogs, and cats of all varieties," she said.
Davidson said your pets can contribute to the issue when they get lost and run around.
York County Animal Services said data shows the overall intake increasing by 32%. The agency also noted an increase of about 44% of owners surrendering their pets.
As they continue working to mitigate the growth, they're starting with neutering feral cats and stabilizing the population.
"We have helped cat colonies that have over 60 cats and are just feral and living in the outdoors," said Davidson. "Decreasing that number or maintaining that number is a huge thing for the area."
Davidson said as they work to find permanent solutions, she’s hoping more folks from the community will also step in to help. Whether it's by getting pets spayed and neutered, or fostering or adopting a new furry friend, she said many pets are depending on it.
The cost of getting your pet neutered or spayed can be a bit pricey, but Davidson says help is available. Click here if you need help or wish to donate to help provide those services.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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