Lexington County Animal Control officials want to impose new regulations on dogs and cats, as the county’s shelter has become increasingly over-populated.

The new regulations were proposed by the council’s Health & Human Services Committee at the Aug. 22 County Council meeting.

The new ordinance targets “backyard breeders” that are causing an over-population in the county’s shelter. The new ordinance would impose restrictions on who is allowed to breed, and limit the number of kittens and puppies that are brought into the shelter.

Some council members shook their heads at the meeting as Animal Control Officer Brittany Jones revealed the number of pets now being kept in the county’s shelter. The shelter is currently housing between two and three times more than its capacity.

Council Chair Beth Carrigg said that problem is “unsustainable.”

“What a mess,” said another council member.

In an interview with the Chronicle after the meeting, Council Vice Chairman Darrell Hudson said it’s not just a problem in Lexington County

“It’s a nationwide problem,” said Hudson, adding that he has seen several news reports on the same problem in New York and other cities throughout the nation.

“We are doing the best we can,” he said.

He said the problem was worsened by the COVID problem, as veterinarians had to limit services for months.

In response to questions sent by the chronicle, animal control officials said 505 animals entered the system during the month of July and that the shelter “is not capable of retaining all of those animals.”

Officials said the shelter has 64 “runs” which can reasonably house around 128 pets.

“Although we typically average around 150-200 pets. Lexington County Animal Services currently has 223 animals.” 

Officials say back yard breeders “seeking quick money” are part of the problem because they are not breeding in accordance with health conditions, temperament and breed standards.

The ordinance also addresses sterilization and microchipping regulations.

Currently, pets are required to wear a collar identification tag, but the new ordinance would require dogs to have a microchip registered with the owner’s name and address. Officials said microchipping will not only help identify a pet, but help shelter staff and local veterinarian offices contact the owner before the pet has to come into the shelter. The shelter provides microchips to the public at a cost of $10.