Category Archives: animal abuse

2019, animal abuse, Dogs, FOTAS, News, Training, Volunteer, Volunteers

Volunteers Teach Homeless Pets about Love and Acceptance

Posted on by Bob Gordon
17
Sep

This week, I had two people tell me they can’t volunteer because the idea of witnessing the injured, neglected and abused animals who need homes would be too much for them to handle.

I told them we take a more positive approach and embrace the opportunity to greet these pets in need. Because on the day we meet them, we know their lives are about to get so much better! It is an honorable mission to help them.

Senior dog JESSICA gets some love and attention from FOTAS Volunteer Nicole Simons.

When a dog or cat arrives at the shelter emaciated, ill, neglected or abused, staff and volunteers greet them with love and make them comfortable. Now that they are with us, it’s game time! Time for them to get well and start their new life of love, happiness and never knowing hunger or loneliness again. It’s a gift to be part of a team that can turn their lives around.

Almost immediately after they arrive, we are planning what is best for these homeless pets. Do they need a rescue or a foster? Do they need a quiet home or would an active family best suit their needs? Would another cat or dog give them comfort or are they best as an only pet?

When we pull into the parking lot first thing in the morning, we see tails wagging and cats running up to the feline facility windows to meow their “hellos”. They love us, and we love them. These animals don’t think about past experiences and we don’t focus on them either. Each day we are one day closer to finding them a happy, loving forever home.

MEADOW is a volunteer and staff favorite.

Take Meadow, a white furred, 6-year-old mixed breed. She’s endured a rough past and growled at us when she first arrived. She was beyond scared. But Karen DeCamp, one of our devoted volunteer trainers, showed Meadow love and she rapidly improved. She learned how great it is to be loved and is now the gentlest dog on the adoption floor! Meadow dances around and greets people who visit her kennel. She is ready to be adopted and your new best friend.

FOTAS Volunteer Jeri Wesner is one of our most dedicated dog walkers and I love seeing her when she meets a new animal. She always smiles brightly and tells the new dog, “It’s your lucky day!” Jeri has helped change so many dogs’ lives with her patience and positive attitude. She understands that we’re here to give these unwanted pets a second chance at a good life.

MEADOW was scared and growled at everybody when she first arrived at the shelter. But now she’s the sweetest dog on the adoption floor!

So, please don’t say that you can’t volunteer because it would be too heartbreaking. Dogs and cats aren’t like us. They forgive, bounce back and have the potential to give so much love to their future adopters.

Yes, we see kittens thrown from cars, dogs left tied to trees in the woods, puppies sick from neglect — you name it. But you need to see the silver lining. These animals are now safe and out of danger. We have the ability to make their lives better and find them homes. And when we do, it’s so rewarding!

As a volunteer, you teach these pets what love is and they quickly absorb the lesson! They forgive, they forget. Help be part of their future happiness. Volunteer and invest your time in these animals.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

BY THE NUMBERS
The Aiken County Animal Shelter has already taken in nearly 200 strays and surrendered pets this month. Please spay and neuter your pets.

2019, animal abuse, Dogs, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, injured animals, neglected pets, News, Spay/Neuter

Good Samaritans rescue discarded, distressed puppies

Posted on by Bob Gordon
10
Jun

On Friday, May 31, Lisa Brucchi walked out of her Windsor home into the blistering heat to check her mailbox. She was expecting an important letter from her mom and was eager to see if it had arrived. But as she walked up to her mailbox, she noticed a box on the ground. At first, she thought someone had just left some garbage there but as she got closer, she saw someone had done something much worse. Inside the box were nine puppies covered in their own feces and urine, panting heavily and crying for help.

“When I saw them, I just burst out crying and didn’t know what to do,” Brucchi said. “How could someone leave them out there like that?”

Nine overheated puppies were rescued by a nice couple and are recovering and being fostered back to health by a FOTAS volunteer.

She got them into the cool air conditioning of her home and called her fiancé, Glen Morrow. They brought the distressed pups to the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS), where they were put into some cool water to bring their temperature down. At first, the 3-week-old pups couldn’t open their eyes and their tongues were hanging out, but they slowly came around.

After the veterinary staff fully examined and treated them, a FOTAS foster took them into her home for extra care and monitoring. Being so young, the puppies aren’t quite out of the woods. But their prognosis is good – and Brucchi and Morrow’s quick actions are the reason they have a chance of surviving and living happy lives.

The same afternoon these nine pups were fighting for life in the hot sun, another good Samaritan, Tristan Stone, was driving to a business meeting when he saw two puppies walking along the side of the road. The pups looked confused and were nearly furless from mange. Stone took them to the ACAS and was informed that someone had reported eight puppies in the same area. He volunteered to go back and spotted three more – these were in better shape and from the same litter.

Stone’s girlfriend, Hannah Williams, met him at the Shelter and she volunteered to foster the five pups until they recover and gain strength. They are about 3 months old and look like Beagle/Retriever mixes. Thanks to this caring couple, these babies are getting healthy and will be adopted in no time.

One of the nine pups abandoned in a box on a scorching day recovers after a cool bath.

The shelter received these 14 puppies in just a one-hour period. On the same day, it received 27 other strays and surrendered animals. This was during a short Memorial Day week in which the shelter took in 126 homeless pets.

Please spay/neuter your pets. If you live in Aiken County and need financial assistance, you can get vouchers at the ACAS, located at 333 Wire Road. If you can help us foster, please call the FOTAS hotline, (803) 514-4313. Also note our new adoption hours: 11:00 to 5:00 Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 11:00 to 7:00 on Tuesday and Thursday; and 11:00 to 4:30 on Saturday.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

BY THE NUMBERS
In the first week of June, the ACAS received more than 150 strays and surrendered pets. This follows receiving 519 homeless pets during the month of May.

PETS OF THE WEEK

LUKE
Mixed breed, male, 3 years old, brindle, 57 pounds – $35

BROOKE
Domestic Shorthair female, 2 years old, orange Tabby, 6 pounds – $10

2019, Adoption, animal abuse, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, injured animals, neglected pets, News, Shelter staff

Broken Beyond Repair? They Might Just Surprise You

Posted on by Bob Gordon
02
Apr

By Dr. Lisa Levy, ACAS Veterinarian

One of the greatest dangers to dogs running loose is being hit by a car. Unfortunately, injured animals being brought to the shelter is an all too common occurrence. Some of these injuries can be catastrophic and the animals can’t be saved. But some will defy the odds and recover.

Hiccup was in bad shape when he arrived at the Shelter.

Hiccup is a small terrier mix who came into the Aiken County Animal Shelter as a stray. He had difficulty standing and had very labored breathing. X-rays revealed that he had a ruptured diaphragm — the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. The impact from the car had caused his diaphragm to tear which allowed abdominal organs (in his case liver, stomach and intestines) to move into his chest, putting pressure on his lungs. Further x-rays revealed that he also had broken both his hips. Some hip fractures will heal on their own with restricted activity and time, while some require surgery.

The more serious problem was the diaphragm (we named him Hiccup because hiccups are caused by a spasm of the diaphragm). Surgical repair is possible but complicated and is most often done at a surgical referral practice or university. I have never done this surgery myself. I went home and talked to my husband, also a veterinarian, Dr. Michael Wells. He said he had done a few when clients couldn’t afford referral and he would be willing to try.

Hiccup on his freedom ride, heading to his forever home.

Surgery was challenging as the tear was in an area with little visibility. Since we don’t have ventilators, I had to manually bag him to breathe for him during the procedure. But Dr. Wells was successful in repairing the diaphragm and Hiccup recovered beautifully.

Hiccup soon went into foster care to see how his hips would heal. His foster parents fell in love with him and adopted him – and now this remarkable dog is running and climbing stairs without any need for further surgery.

Cadyn came into the shelter as a 5-month-old puppy after being hit by a car.

Cadyn at her forever home

My heart sank when I looked at her x-rays. She had a broken hip on one side and a dislocated hip on the other, plus both of her back legs were broken below the knee. She was trying to walk on just her two front legs! Most dogs would just give up, but Cadyn wagged her tail and gave kisses. I had my doubts but Betty, one of the vet assistants, talked me into trying to save her. Puppies do heal faster, so that was in her favor.

I splinted the more severely broken leg and hoped she would walk on the other one since it was much more stable. We kept her cage confined and slowly she started walking. The splinted leg healed but she still may need hip surgery on that side. Cadyn was adopted by Amanda, one of the shelter’s adoption counselors, and has become instant best friends with her other dog.

The resilience of the canine spirit never ceases to amaze me, and these are two shining examples.

Their lives were literally in my hands.

BY THE NUMBERS
From March 1- 27, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received 360 strays and surrendered pets

PETS OF THE WEEK

ZEUS
Mixed breed, male, 5 years old, white and black, 70 pounds – $35

PRECIOUS
Domestic Shorthair, female, 5 years old, white and black, 7 pounds – $10

2019, Adoption, animal abuse, Bully Dogs, Chained dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, injured animals, neglected pets, News, Pibbles, Uncategorized

Speaking Out on Behalf of Neglected, Abandoned, and Abused Animals

Posted on by Bob Gordon
10
Mar

Adopting a pet can bring years of love, laughter, and companionship into you and your family’s life, but it is also a responsibility that goes far beyond providing food and water.

Rupert is starting to fill out from his skin and bones appearance, but he still needs a loving home.

Pets need a safe place to shelter them from the elements. They need to be vaccinated against rabies and other types of preventable diseases. Since fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes never stop breeding here in the South where the weather is warm year-round, flea and tick medicine and heartworm prevention are essential. All pets should be spayed or neutered to avoid accidental breeding and rampant overpopulation of homeless animals that end up in the shelter, cared for by the taxpayers. In addition, an unfixed pet is more likely to roam, get into trouble, get injured or hit by a car. Unfixed pets are more likely to develop cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Rupert loves to get his belly rubbed!

Slightly more than one half of the intake at the Aiken County Animal Shelter are strays picked up by Animal Control. Only 8% of strays are claimed by their owners. That means that the owners of 92% of those animals didn’t care enough to keep those animals safe at home or to look for them when they disappeared (or worse, they just dumped them on the side of the road). The strays that get picked up are, for the most part, skinny, scared, and flea-bitten. They are often heartworm positive. They may have picked up mange from scavenging food in the trash. Hundreds of strays come to the shelter each year injured — attacked by other dogs, shot at, beaten, hit by cars. We’re seeing more of it all the time. It’s discouraging and heartbreaking.

Take one of our recently adopted residents, Edgar. When he was picked up by Animal Control, patches of his fur were missing from scratching himself raw because he is allergic to fleas. He is such a loving dog, too: calm, gentle, great with kids. Or Rupert, rescued by Animal Control because the owners did not provide “adequate” food and shelter. “Not adequate” is an understatement. Rupert was starving; every single bone in his body was visible under his scraggly coat. Although distrustful at first, Rupert came to love shelter life: regular feeding; a clean, safe, warm place to sleep; people to love; and pals to hang out with.

Rupert’s had a tough life and deserves a chance with a wonderful home.

It’s hard for us to imagine how someone could have cared so little about Edgar and Rupert to allow them to suffer so much, but here’s the amazing thing. Despite their unpleasant experiences at the hands of humans, both dogs have been willing — so willing — to give us another chance. That takes real heart and courage. We can learn something about forgiveness from these dogs.

Neglected, abandoned, homeless animals do not have a voice, but we do. Please talk about responsible pet care with your neighbors, your children, your friends, your family, your church. Speak out when you see an animal neglected or abused. We can help by educating owners, suggest alternatives or provide resources, and if necessary, rescue the pet and give them a second chance with responsible, committed owners who will shower them with affection and treat them like family. Edgar and Rupert deserve that. They all do.

Their lives are in our hands.

–– By Joanna Samson, FOTAS Vice President

By the Numbers
In the first week of March, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received more than 100 strays and surrendered pets.

Pets of the WeekJAMES
Mixed breed, male, 4 years old, red, 61 pounds – $35

TREME
Domestic Shorthair, male, 1 year old, orange Tabby, 7 pounds – $10

2019, animal abuse, Cats, County Animal Control, Dogs, FOTAS, injured animals, kittens, neglected pets, News, Spay/Neuter, surrendered pets, TNR Program, Uncategorized

Save Lives and Stop Needless Suffering by Fixing your Pets

Posted on by Bob Gordon
18
Feb

When people talk about our chronic dog and cat overpopulation problem, they usually focus on the overwhelming numbers – and rightfully so. Millions of pets lose their lives each year because people don’t spay/neuter their animals.

Stray dog Thaddeus arrived at the shelter with a gunshot wound so severe, his right back leg was turned to powder and had to be amputated.

Puppies and kittens will soon be pouring into the County Shelter because some citizens are not getting their pets spayed/neutered.

In fact, the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) takes in approximately 125 unwanted animals per week during the summer months. When you do the math, the total number of animals coming into the shelter is staggering and the only solution to the problem is spaying and neutering your pets.

It’s really easy and inexpensive to get your pets fixed now, thanks to the County’s spay/neuter voucher program and FOTAS’s Fix-a-Pet program. The SPCA Albrecht Center clinic and participating local veterinarians accept these vouchers, available at the County Shelter, which reduces the cost of fixing your pet to $15 or less.

Wagener, a young stray cat arrived at the shelter in severe pain because her birth canal was too small, and she couldn’t deliver her kittens. She was saved but some of her babies died inside her.

FOTAS and the County also offer a Trap, Neuter & Return (TNR) program for feral and community cats that is helping to reduce feline overpopulation in the area. Cats must be brought to the shelter in a trap, which you can borrow from the ACAS. Trapped cats can be brought to the shelter at 333 Wire Road in Aiken on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings at 8 a.m. and picked up later the same day. Call the ACAS for more information, (803) 642-1537.

Mama dog Angeline was scared and exhausted when she was brought in with her starving puppies.

Last year, Aiken County and FOTAS paid for the spay/neuter of 1,287 pets owned by citizens in financial need and 1,099 community/feral cats.

Yellow Retriever Angeline and her starving puppies were brought to the ACAS by an animal control officer. The mama dog was suffering and freezing to keep her puppies alive. Exhausted and ribs visible, Angeline was afraid of human touch but she and her pups are now recovering with the care of FOTAS foster volunteers.

February is National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, an ideal time to encourage people to have their pets sterilized before the spring and summer months, when there is a rampant overproduction of puppies and kittens. It’s also a time to recognize one other aspect of this issue: needless suffering. These animals not only are filling our shelters but when wandering on their own, searching for mates and food, they also can face horrible and painful consequences.

Thaddeus is a stray who was shot while homeless and searching for food.

So, we’re asking you to help us do better this year. Let’s spread the word about the importance of spay/neuter to our family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers.

Also, please join us in thanking the folks who are helping to fight this animal overpopulation battle. We thank the Aiken County Council for its support of the vital Spay/neuter voucher program; Code Enforcement Director Paige Bayne for the awesome management of the County Spay/Neuter voucher program; The ACAS vet clinic for their TNR work; and our FOTAS TNR veterinarian partners, Aiken Animal Hospital, Aiken Veterinary Clinic, Silver Bluff Veterinary Clinic and Veterinary Services of Aiken.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

By the Numbers
So far this month (Feb 1-15), the Aiken County Shelter has taken in 176 strays and surrendered pets.


Pets of the Week
REESE
Catahoula Leopard dog mix, male, 1 year old, 57 pounds – $35

WILLY
Domestic shorthair cat, male, 3 years old, 12 pounds – $10

2019, animal abuse, Bully Dogs, Chained dogs, Dogs, FOTAS, injured animals, neglected pets, News, Uncategorized

Abused and neglected dogs show true love and forgiveness

Posted on by Bob Gordon
11
Feb

When you volunteer at the shelter, you learn a lot about forgiveness. Dogs and cats come to us injured, neglected and abused – yet, they forgive. These are animals who have never known love but are desperate to provide it.

Recently, two particular dogs have stolen my heart.

Despite being neglected and locked to a chain most of his life, Walter is one of the sweetest, most loving dogs on the adoption floor.

James arrived at the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) with scars all over his body. He had been attacked by dogs and he lay frozen with his eyes wide with fear. James had been found as a stray and was limping and covered in cuts, some needing to be stitched. When one of the trainers who helps evaluate the dogs put a leash on him to walk him, the terrified dog started to roll like an alligator biting at the leash. It was frightening and painful to watch. We gave him a bed and a meal and hoped for the best.

For two days Darling Rios, one of our canine coaches, sat with him, hand fed him and spoke softly to him. She then started leash walking him. This time, he just held the leash in his mouth while walking, almost for security.
After a week, James was allowing Darling to hug him and we introduced him to dogs and other people. The first time I walked him, he was hesitant because he didn’t know if I was going to hurt him. Luckily, after only a short time, he was sitting at my feet and thumping his tail.

James arrived at the shelter bleeding and terrified, but he’s now ready to love again.

This wonderful dog is now calm and enjoys sitting with people and watching the other shelter dogs. No one ever came looking for James, but he has forgiven. He is ready to love someone with all his heart, and we are doing all we can to help him find someone who will love him the same.

Walter was brought in with a severe injury. His neck was wounded from a chain that dug into his skin. Dr. Levy, the shelter’s veterinarian, treated him and he is healing fast! This poor dog lived his life on a chain that restricted his activity, keeping him from people and being nurtured.

We worried he would be aggressive. Little did we know that in a few days, after love from volunteers and staff members, he would be walking on leash, licking all visitors, playing with other dogs and acting like a family pet! He is embracing life again and now waits for his forever home where he will give his new family all of his heart.

The special thing about these dogs is their ability to love. If you purchase a puppy, you will get a cute, loving pet. However, if you adopt a dog that has never known love and you show them kindness, you will receive the most amazing gift ever! These are pets who are quick to bond, and they appreciate their owners in a special way. I promise you will never regret taking the time to show kindness to one of these pets. There is a connection that takes place, and it will change you both forever.

Please don’t pass by a dog or cat that has a few scars, a few gray hairs, or one that hides in the back of their kennel. Stop, talk to them softly and treat them with kindness. You may find they’re the missing piece to your heart.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

2019, Adoption, animal abuse, County Animal Control, Demodex, Dogs, Events, Foster, fostering, FOTAS, neglected pets, News, Uncategorized, Volunteer, Volunteers

Neglected Puppy Coco Makes Amazing Recovery

Posted on by Bob Gordon
28
Jan

In early November, a stray puppy was brought into the Aiken County Animal Shelter by one of the animal control officers. I have seen a lot of neglected dogs enter the shelter but this one instantly brought tears to my eyes. We could all feel her pain. Her face was dripping blood, she had no fur, and she was just a baby!

COCO was hairless and in severe discomfort when she was brought in to the Shelter

This sweet little girl didn’t make a peep. She lay in the medical clinic on a blanket, eyes wide with fear, while allowing Dr. Levy and her kind-hearted assistants to clean and treat her. The puppy had a condition called Demodectic mange or “Demodex”, a very treatable and non-contagious skin condition that we see in neglected, malnourished or stressed dogs. This was just the most severe case I had ever seen.

We called Paula Neuroth, one of FOTAS’ most dedicated foster moms, and told her what just came in. Paula came in the next day and picked up the frightened pup. She and her husband, Rod, named the puppy Coco. During the next four weeks she healed beautifully. Paula called and said she thought Coco was some kind of Spaniel or Hound, and when her fur came in, she had a beautiful white coat with brown spots.

Paula Neuroth holds COCO, who through excellent medical and foster care, made a full recovery and regained her beautiful coat.

“Coco is a very brave little girl who has been through a lot,” Paula said. “From the moment we brought her home she was gentle and so sweet. We just showed her a lot of love and she learned it is okay to have fun, eat without fear, and to trust people.”

We have many dogs that come to the shelter with Demodex and they need foster care. Some just have patches of fur missing while others, like Coco, temporarily lose their entire coat. The recovery time is so much less when they are in a home environment, away from the stress of the shelter.

Coco is already in her forever home and living her dream life. Paula continues to foster those that need her, but we need more foster volunteers who can help. Currently we have other dogs with very treatable medical conditions that need a safe place to recover. These dogs are so grateful, they will love you more than any other.

Please consider fostering a puppy or dog in need. It is one of the most rewarding experiences you will have.

Their lives are in our hands.

— by Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director

By the Numbers
From January 1 to 23, the County Animal Shelter took in more than 300 strays and surrendered pets.


Pets of the Week

MARKUS
Mixed breed, male, 6 years old, 73 pounds – $35

HOLLY
Domestic Shorthair Dilute Tortoiseshell cat, female, 4-1/2 years old, 6.5 pounds – $10  (at Aiken PetSmart store)

2018, Adoption, animal abuse, FOTAS, News, Spay/Neuter, surrendered pets, Transfer

The Animals Just Keep Coming into the County Shelter

Posted on by Bob Gordon
12
Nov

“A record number of animals surrendered to the Aiken County Animal Shelter this month.”

We see this headline way too much. The story goes on and on. The shelter staff works tirelessly at warp speed to feed, care for, provide medical attention, and everything else necessary to keep the conveyor belt of overcrowding moving.

The army of FOTAS volunteers show up for duty every day to walk, socialize, and show some love to all of the animals to make certain that their adopters will get the best pet they have ever owned.

Other FOTAS volunteers open up their homes to foster dogs and cats for short terms to acclimate the traumatized animals to a household environment. This generosity of these fosters frees up space so that another dog or cat can be released from the holding section of the shelter and moved into the adoption kennels.

One of the many surrendered dogs at the County Shelter waits for a chance to be adopted.

Still other members of the FOTAS army spend endless hours coordinating the transfer of large numbers of animals to shelter partners hundreds of miles away that actually have a shortage of adoptable pets. This exhausting and expensive program is a necessary evil when the shelter receives over 4,900 animals per year.

The pressure of so many new cats and dogs filling the shelter builds every month like a balloon about to burst. The goal of not having to euthanize an adoptable pet has been met but that goal is challenged every day as the numbers continue to rise.

Why does this cycle never end?

Perhaps the public is getting the wrong message. The new, much-needed shelter that opened in 2014 has been heralded (as it should be) as a larger, healthier, and more practical facility that is better able to care for the animals of Aiken County. That does not mean that you can just surrender your pet and not worry because the shelter will find that animal a home.

Sure, there are legitimate reasons someone would have to surrender their pet to a public shelter, but sadly, the vast majority are surrendered just because the care of the animal is no longer convenient.
Adopting a pet is a life-long responsibility for the person or family who adopts one. That means food, shelter, medical care for the pet for the rest of its life. Pets are living, breathing animals with feelings. They are not clothes that you buy in a store and can return if you don’t like them or they don’t fit.

This has to end. What does it mean to be a more responsible pet owner?

• Your pet should be spay/neutered to help prevent overpopulation. There’s no good reason not to (most owners are not in the breeding business). Fixing your pet not only reduces unwanted litters dumped at the shelter, it also improves its health and reduces behavioral problems.

• Spend time with your pet. Teach it basic obedience skills so it can be a better family member—one who is part of the family and who, in return, will want to please you and love you unconditionally.

Their lives are in our hands.

— By Jennifer Miller, President, FOTAS

 

By the Numbers
In October, the Aiken County Animal Shelter received 512 strays and surrendered pets!

 

Pets of the Week

ALVIN: Domestic Shorthair kitten, male, orange Tabby, 2 months old, 2 pounds – $10

SADIE: Mixed breed, female, black with white, 5 years old, 38 pounds – $35

 

 

2018, animal abuse, Bully Dogs, Chained dogs, County Animal Control, County animal laws, County tethering ordinance, FOTAS, News, Pibbles

Life after Chains

Posted on by Bob Gordon
01
Oct

Skye, Queenie, King and Polo: what do these dogs have in common? They are all pit-crosses. They were skinny and dirty, their coats scruffy. None had been spayed or neutered. The females were bred indiscriminately; how many times is anyone’s guess. Three of them tested positive for heartworms.

Volunteer Judy Kolb spends quality time with Queenie.

All four dogs were chained to stationary objects in a bare dirt yard, 24/7, with no relief from the elements. Their movements are clumsy and unsteady because they could only move so far on their short chains. All of the dogs were starved for human attention.

It’s a miserable existence, attached to a chain every second of every day for your entire life, pacing through your own waste. Dogs are social animals. They thrive in a pack, whether it be a pack of humans or a pack of dogs or a combination of both. A tethered dog with limited contact to people or other animals suffers from loneliness. They are often frustrated by their inability to interact with the other dogs just outside their reach. That isolation expresses itself in a dull, lifeless, dispirited dog; sometimes it results in intolerance to other dogs.

Tethered dogs are often uncoordinated or become physically impaired because, without an opportunity to run and play, their muscles never develop.

Polo, now available for adoption, was one of the neglected dogs rescued and brought to the County Shelter.

Sadly, many tethered dogs die on their chains—choked or trapped by the tangled teether and unable to reach shelter or water, if it’s even available.

Skye, Queenie, King and Polo have been rescued by Aiken County Animal Control. At the shelter, they are receiving, perhaps for the first time in their short lives, medical treatment, two meals a day, toys, treats, and a clean and protected place to sleep.

They are also getting lots of human attention. They love that. Their tails wag and their eyes shine every time staff and volunteers offer a kind word, a walk, a snuggle and a hug, a lap to lay their head on. We love that, too.

Skye gets some love from FOTAS Volunteer Karen Loughran before going on a walk with Volunteer Sharon Johnson.

Dr. Levy has released Skye, Queenie and Polo for adoption; King will be available once he gains a little weight. FOTAS will pay for heartworm treatments for those that need it. We work with them every day on their canine socialization skills. We can say without equivocation that these dogs are incredibly grateful and affectionate, capable of loving and being loved by humans.

Yes, chaining a dog to a fixed object all their life without access to shelter, clean water, medical treatment, and companionship (both human and canine) is cruel, yet most of the people who chain their dogs are not cruel. Maybe they lack resources, maybe it’s all they’ve ever known. There’s help for those folks — FOTAS provides animal control officers with humane runners and swivel/stakes to help them take their dogs off the chains.

For the others—the cruel and grossly negligent—that’s a matter for the animal control officers. It is illegal in Aiken County to tether dogs to stationary objects with chains all the time, but animal control can only save those animals if they know about it, so speak up! (County Animal Control: (803) 642-1537) Cruelty tips from the public can be kept confidential.

Help us take those dogs off the chains. Their lives are in our hands.

— By Joanna Dunn Samson, Vice President of FOTAS

2018, animal abuse, Chained dogs, County Animal Control, County tethering ordinance, Dogs, essay, FOTAS, News

County and FOTAS Work Together to Keep Dogs Off Chains

Posted on by Angel Hartline
02
Sep

The County, FOTAS and other concerned citizens worked together for months to pass a tethering ordinance. Many animal cruelty and neglect cases include dogs permanently attached to heavy chains that limit their mobility and access to food, water and shade or escape from their own waste. But little could be done to prevent people from treating their animals this way without an enforceable regulation against such conditions.

County Animal Control Supervising Officer Patrick Miller with Igloo dog houses donated by generous citizens.

Then last year, after many people – including County Animal Shelter Manager and Chief Enforcement Officer Bobby Arthurs – testified to the Aiken County Council, the ordinance was finalized and passed. Arthurs worked with County Code Enforcement Director Paige Bayne and County Attorney Jim Holly on the original draft of the ordinance.

Passed on March 21, the tethering ordinance ensures people treat their dogs more humanely by making it unlawful for a person to tether, fasten, chain, tie or restrain a dog to a house, tree, fence, or any stationary object except for a brief period necessary to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be restrained. That period cannot exceed four hours and the animal must have free access to water, food and shelter during this time.

If a tethering system is used, it must be connected to a single stake with a swivel on top, be at least 15 feet long and allow the dog to have as close to 360 degrees circular movement as practicable.  If a runner or trolley system is used, it must be at least 20 feet long and allow the dog to move freely along the length of the trolley runner line without being entangled.

“The word is definitely getting out there and it’s already made a difference,” said County Animal Control Officer Brandon Creel. “The number of animals we see on chains has dipped significantly.”

In the past six months, FOTAS has purchased and supplied 75 humane runners and swivels/stakes to help such canines.

County Animal Control Officers Larry Callahan (left) and Daniel Godwin holding swivel systems that ensure dogs are tied in compliance with Aiken County’s tethering ordinance.

It should be noted that the new tethering law gives officers a big stick to punish animal cruelty and prevent cases of neglect, but not all animals tied outside are treated poorly. Certain citizens love their dogs but can’t afford to put up a fence or a runner.

“Some of these people will feed their dog before themselves, that’s how much they care about them,” said County Animal Control Officer Larry Callahan. “But it’s a different lifestyle where dogs are kept outside.”

When these families need help, the officers let FOTAS Programs Director Kathy Jacobs know, and she provides the materials they need.

“We have to look at the big picture,” Creel said. “If the owner’s heart is in the right place but they just can’t afford the runner or swivel system, we see if FOTAS can help. We try to assist people when we can. After all, helping them out also helps their dogs.”

If you can donate funds to help purchase runners or swivel systems for dogs, or can donate dog houses, new or used and in good condition, it would be most appreciated.  Please bring your donations to the County Shelter, 333 Wire Road in Aiken.

Their lives are in our hands.

 – By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

 

Pets of the Week

CHARLIE
Shepherd mix, male, 6 years old, special needs dog (front left leg amputated), 72 pounds – $35

 

JASMINE
Siamese mix cat, female, 1 year old, 6 pounds – $10