Aiken County Animal Shelter In Need Of Adoptions

Animal troubles for Aiken County.  As the economy goes down, the amount of cats and dogs being left to fend for themselves is going up.  WJBF News Channel 6’s Barclay Bishop has more.

By Barclay Bishop
WJBF News Channel 6 reporter
Published: December 27, 2008

Aiken, SC-

Bobby Arthurs, Chief Officer, Aiken County Animal Control:  “It’s been an increasing amount of animals being brought here to the shelter. And our officers are picking up more and more strays.“

These 4 skinny and bare Shitzu’s are just one example of that.

Arthurs:  “They were matted, the hair was long.  They couldn’t even see their eyes, their toenails were in bad shape and so those animals there appeared to be abandoned or dropped off on the side of the road.“

Bobby Arthurs’ the Chief Officer for Aiken County’s Animal Control.  He says at capacity, the shelter holds about 100 animals.  But since September, those numbers have drastically changed. 

Arthurs:  “Today we have over 125 or 130 animals here that we’re housing, and some of those animals may have to go outside to an overflow area.”

Arthurs says with gas prices going up, more families simply can’t afford to take care of the animals.  Leaving all the ones you see here, in need of a home.

Arthurs:  “Especially in September, October, November where the gas prices were over 3 dollars a gallon, some places 4 dollars a gallon.”

There’s no telling when things will turn around for the economy, but one thing is for sure…these animals can help anyone get through the hard times we are all facing.

Arthurs:  “To me, the shelter dogs are the best pets in the world.  They’re very friendly, very loving, very appreciative, and they show it.  We do not want to see them euthanized.”

To adopt any of the pets call Aiken County Animal Control at (803) 642-1537 or go to:
http://www.petfinder.com