MORNING HEADLINES | Charleston County officials say they are working to review and strengthen ordinances related to animal well-being after county deputies responded to a recent report about several dogs on a Johns Island property.
During a May 15 animal welfare check, deputies found approximately 15 kennels housing 25 dogs of various breeds and sizes.
“During inspection, all the canines appeared healthy, had clean kennels and had potable water available,” according to a Tuesday news release from the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. “All [of] the canines also appeared to be in good body condition, all falling between 4 and 5 on the Purina Body Condition Scoring System. Furthermore, all [of] the canines displayed behavior consistent with being excited and happy when interacting with the owner.”
The sheriff’s office, however, said the kennels weren’t deemed suitable for outdoor use, prompting animal control deputies to help place several dogs, while the owner relocated the rest to homes with more suitable living arrangements.
When the City Paper asked for a comment from Sheriff Carl Ritchie, a spokesman said, “We will not be providing additional comments at this time.”
Charleston County Council member Joe Boykin told WCBD-TV that there appears to be a gap in coverage of county ordinances to cover situations in which animals are in good health with no distress, adding that the dogs eventually “probably would have likely found themselves in the distress.”
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