CAROLINA
TAILS
THE PEACE MAKERS Kittens Saved a Household
SUMMER 2019
A Charleston Animal Society Publication
HSUS SPECIAL REPORT Petland Investigation
GOAT YOGA Baaa Baaa Bliss?
CAROLINA
TAILS
Publisher: Charleston Animal Society Editor-in-Chief: Dan Krosse Managing Editor: Joe Elmore Advertising Director: Keith Simmons Advertising Sales: Ted DeLoach Graphic Design: Heineman Design Copy Editor: Eve Baker Writers: Dan Krosse, Hank Greer, Laurel Greer, Shane Himes, Jeanne Taylor, Lynn McBride, Victoria Hansen, Ellie Whitcomb Payne, Claire Grimes, Kathleen Millat Johnson, Helen Ravenel Hammond, Joe Elmore Photographers: Jeanne Taylor, Marie Rodriguez, Shane Himes, Dan Krosse, Aldwin Roman, Kay Hyman
Contents SUMMER 2019
8 5
Welcome
6
Pet Pointers
8
Petland Investigation
10
Pick Me! SC: Help Adopt 1,500 Animals July 12 - 14
12
Joe Cunningham Unleashed: Where’s Our New Congressman Land on Animal Issues?
14
Rocky & the Firefighter: Who Rescued Who?
15
Best Summer Dog Beaches
18
A K9 inspires a New Safety Program
19
Horses & Heat Downtown: Loophole in the Law Exposed
21
Ask a Lawyer
22
Paws Around Town
23
Take Me Home: Adoptions
24
Your Vet Directory
27
Cruelty Law Breakthrough in SC !
28
The Peace Makers
30
Goat Yoga!
32
Kids Corner: Time to Play!
For inquiries regarding advertising, distribution or suggestions in Carolina Tails call (843) 410-2577 or ksimmons@charlestonanimalsociety.org. 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406 (843) 747-4849 www.CarolinaTails.org
Chairman: Hank Greer Vice Chair: Gerri Greenwood Vice Chair: Laurel Greer Vice Chair: Aussie Geer Secretary: Peter Waters Treasurer: Martin Deputy Member At-Large: David Maybank, Jr., Esq. Member At-Large: Robert Nigro Member At-Large: Louise Palmer Members of the Board Linda Bakker Caroline Clark Henry Darby Sarah-Hamlin Hastings Ellen Harley Patricia Henley Carolyn Murray
Richard Murphy Celeste Patrick, MD Dillard Salmons Stevens Diane Straney Joe Waring, Esq. George "Pat" Waters Tami Zerbst
Chief Executive Officer: Joe Elmore Media & Marketing Consultant: Dan Krosse, dpk media solutions
Please contact regarding Carolina Tails distribution, advertising or suggestions. For all other inquiries, please contact Charleston Animal Society. (843) 410-2577 ksimmons@charlestonanimalsociety.org Carolina Tails is published quarterly by Traveler Communications Group, an independent publishing company. PO Box 22677, Charleston, SC 29413 (843 352-9048). Carolina Tails is a registered trademark of Traveler Communications Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.
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COVER PHOTO: Peace Makers Tanner and Rusty grace our cover this issue. Their owners, Hank and Laurel Greer, found themselves at wits’ end when their two other cats started fighting non-stop. Find out how Tanner and Rusty helped settle everything down on pg. 28. Photo: Jeanne Taylor / jtpetpics.com
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Welcome DEAR FRIENDS, This issue marks five straight years, and 21 issues of Carolina Tails! Animal lovers are so thankful for a publication like this. Sometimes we are asked why Charleston Animal Society publishes a magazine like Carolina Tails and the answer is simple: to share our advocacy for animals and speak as a voice for all creatures. Five years in and we continue to evolve with our Publishing and Sales Team, Keith Simmons and Ted DeLoach. Our exquisite designer Sally Heineman of Heineman Design; our Editor Dan Krosse and Managing Editor Joe Elmore. Behind this talented crew is a team of writers and photographers, many of them volunteers, who help make these pages possible (please see our Contents page for a more complete listing). With each issue we strive to educate, inform and entertain. We bring to the forefront issues that may not ever make it to the front page of the local paper or the top of your online news feed – if it weren’t for Carolina Tails. This Summer Issue is no different! We head to the Statehouse in Columbia to report on the new Animal Welfare Law that will make our state a better place for pets. The law, signed in May, doesn’t include everything companion animals need – but believe me, it’s a start and we continue to work on improving it. We take our pages to Washington, D.C. and interview Congressman Joe Cunningham to find out where our newest Representative lands on important animal issues. Charleston Animal Society’s advocacy for humane working conditions for horses and mules connected to the Charleston Carriage industry continues. We once again expose a loophole in the current city ordinance and we have a potentially powerful solution for the debate over “how hot is too hot” for these magnificent animals. Elsewhere you’ll learn how a 30-foot fall by a police K9 turned into a positive new program that will protect these four-legged first responders in the future. And speaking of first responders, we have the beautiful story of the North Charleston Fire Captain who responded to a 911 call about a puppy trapped under rubble. Their story went viral (1,000,000 views online) and I promise, you will want to read the article to learn what happens next. On the lighter side – our intrepid photographer-turned-reporter Jeanne Taylor goes to goat yoga to give us a first-hand account of what it’s like to stretch out next to these hilarious animals. On a personal note, I hope you like our cover shot. They are Rusty and Tanner, who belong to Laurel and me (Well, actually, we belong to them)!!! We donated during the Applause for Paws Gala for a cover shoot on Carolina Tails, because we wanted to share their amazing story of how they brought peace back into our household after two of our cats started all-out warfare. I think the story carries a lesson for all of us. We hope everyone has a wonderful summer (please see our Beach Guide for Dogs on page 15). Enjoy your furry friends – feed them, give them plenty of water and shade during these hotter months – and most of all, give them all the love in your heart.
Hank Greer with Rusty, one of two kittens who brought balance back to he and his wife Laurel's home after their two older cats started fighting uncontrollably. See the article on page 28.
Sincerely,
Hank Greer, Chairman of the Board Charleston Animal Society SUMMER 2019 | CAROLINA TAILS
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NEWS:: You Can Use
PET POINTERS
SUM
M
New ER Tidb s its
POUNCE CAT CAFÉ HITS 1,000 ADOPTIONS! Just more than two years in and it was a twelve-toed cat named Alice who became Pounce Cat Café’s 1000th adoption! Megan and Garret Caskey were the lucky new cat parents. “We are excited to hit this milestone and can’t wait for 1,000 more adoptions,” said Pounce Coowner Annaliese Hughes. Billed as the South’s first cat café, Pounce is located at 283 Meeting Street in Downtown Charleston. Alice the cat is what’s called a “polydactyl,” meaning she had more than the standard 5 toes. In her case, Hughes says Alice had 6 toes on each of her front paws. All of the cats adopted at Pounce are rescues that come from Charleston Animal Society. “This partnership has been amazing for everyone involved, especially the 1,000 cats who have new, loving homes,” said Charleston Animal Society Senior Director of Animal Services Pearl Sutton.
THE DECLAW LAW Cat lovers around the country are anxiously watching New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. With a stroke of his pen, Cuomo could make New York the first state in the country to ban declawing of cats. The bill has been fought by veterinary groups. Under the law, violators could be fined up to $1,000. The lawmaker who sponsored the bill told The New York Times she proposed the bill because some people “think their furniture is more important than their cat.” Rep. Linda Rosenthal says the procedure is “unnecessary, it’s painful, and it causes cat problems. It’s just brutal.” Many experts liken the procedure to severing a finger down to the knuckle. According to The New York Times, the bill has been opposed by veterinarian groups for several years. Most declawing would be outlawed except in cases of medical necessity. Cosmetic and aesthetic declawing would be outlawed. As of our Carolina Tails deadline, Gov. Cuomo had still not signed the bill into law.
FIGHTING FOR THE BOX TURTLE A Johns Island woman saw our Carolina Tails article on the box turtle and is taking action to try and save the species. Patricia Luck saw our report that South Carolina is the only state that still allows the capture and sale of these animals. “I've written Rep. Leon Stavrinakis twice about introducing legislation to stop the capture and sale of these turtles,” Luck says. “He says he is researching the issue.” Luck is worried about development on places like Johns Island that may be depleting the natural habitat for box turtles. If you would like to join Luck’s crusade, please contact your area lawmaker and urge them to take action to stop the capture and sale of the box turtle.
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HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE After two extremely busy hurricane seasons, forecasters are predicting an “average” season in 2019 – but that still means at least 12 named storms! And as we know, it only takes one on the Lowcountry Coast to wreak havoc. In 2018, we saw Hurricane Florence. In 2017, the Atlantic and Gulf Coast were slammed with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Let’s hope this season that runs through November 30th—keeps those kinds of storms out at sea. PET EMERGENCY SHELTER GUIDELINES While pet owners are urged to make pets part of their emergency evacuation plan, if you do evacuate to a pet-friendly shelter, there will be rules you will need to follow: • Pet guardians must bring vaccination records for pets • Pets must be in carriers • Pet guardians are responsible for their pets and must stay in the shelter. • Pet guardians must bring all supplies for pets including crates, bedding, food, leashes, poop bags, litter boxes, food bowls etc. • Here is a helpful website if evacuating: visit www.bringfido.com for petfriendly hotels.
SUMMER 2019 | CAROLINA TAILS
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SPECIAL REPORT:: Petland Investigation
AD DON’T OPT! SHOP !
PETLAND INVESTIGATION
Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) undercover investigation reveals more sick, dead puppies at Petland stores INTRO BY KELSEY GILMORE-FUTERAL, J.D. HSUS SC STATE DIRECTOR When I was growing up, pet stores selling puppies in windows with barren cages and wire floors were in almost every mall. As a child, I didn’t think twice about whether the puppies were stressed with hordes of people tapping on their windows for 9 hours a day, where the puppies came from, how the puppies’ parents lived, or what happened to the puppies who weren’t sold before they grew up or got sick. Now that I’m older, I am frustrated and embarrassed that 7-year-old me didn’t think about these things. Now that I know better, I do better, and I find comfort in the changes I have made through my animal advocacy work. Last year, the Lowcountry developed a connection to the Petland issue when the Petland store in Summerville, SC was sold by its former owners, who had been committed to showcasing adoptable animals from Dorchester PAWS and other local pet rescues. The new owner, Brad Parker, operates two other Petland franchise stores in the United States in Kennesaw, GA and Sarasota, FL. The Georgia store was called out in a previous HSUS investigation and as you will see below, the HSUS documents problems with the Sarasota store in this investigation. To fight back against puppy mills and pet store puppy sale cruelty, please support House Bill 3086, which will set basic health and safety standards for people who breed puppies in South Carolina for commercial sale, and advocate at your local town or county meetings for an end to the store-front sale of puppies. HSUS SPECIAL REPORT We are releasing a report and hidden camera footage of investigations we have carried out at Petland stores, including three new investigations in Sarasota, Florida; Novi, Michigan; and Tyler, Texas. As with our previous investigations of the national pet store chain, we again found animals at Petland stores with illnesses ranging from seizures to respiratory infections, diarrhea and vomiting. At some stores, puppies died without being taken promptly to a veterinary hospital for severe illnesses. Also during our investigations, the stores did not regularly provide proper training to employees about zoonotic diseases,
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such as the campylobacter infections that have been linked to some Petland stores and their puppy suppliers. In the Tyler store, a brown Chihuahua named Jade started having seizures, but wasn’t taken to a veterinary hospital for almost a week. When she finally went to a veterinary hospital, she was unable to recover and was euthanized. A Petland staff member told the investigator that the store’s owner rarely took sick puppies for care, stating: “He doesn’t want to pay that extra money.” Our investigators also found a deliberate attempt to keep consumers in the dark about contagious diseases that can be deadly for puppies, like parvovirus. When the Sarasota store was notified by a customer that a puppy recently bought there was diagnosed with parvovirus, staff members frantically cleaned the store. But the store didn’t reveal the risk to other consumers and continued to sell puppies that may have been exposed to the disease. Here are some of the many heartbreaking discoveries our investigators made: • In the Tyler, Texas store, our undercover investigator found the body of a black and white shih tzu puppy in the freezer. “Panda” was one of a litter of three puppies who had originally appeared healthy but got sick after being put in a back room with other sick animals due to overcrowding in the store. One of the sick dogs was taken to a veterinarian and one recovered in the store but Panda died. A staff member in the Tyler store described how staff members provided ad hoc veterinary care to gravely ill puppies. She discussed a male Chihuahua who, she said,” looked like it was dead. It would roll over and its head wouldn’t follow its body and it couldn’t stand up.” When our investigator asked, “What’d you guys do?” the staff member answered that Petland staff “injected it with saline.” • In the Sarasota store, puppies were frequently sick, exhibiting explosive diarrhea or respiratory problems. But employees, under pressure to sell as many puppies as possible to earn commissions, sometimes showed sick puppies to customers. Our investigator also saw a dead hamster who had been left in a drawer in the back
HSUS Investigators found a dead shih tzu in the freezer at the Petland Store in Tyler, TX. (courtesy: HSUS)
Hidden cameras helped document the findings of HSUS inside Petland Stores. (courtesy: HSUS)
Overcrowded conditions were not uncommon according to HSUS, as seen here at the Sarasota, FL Petland Store. (courtesy: HSUS)
room. As an employee placed the hamster in the store’s freezer, our investigator asked what else was in it. The other employee informed her, “We don’t mess with the freezer for good reasons,” and slammed the door shut. • In the Novi, Michigan store, customers regularly called with complaints about sick puppies they had purchased. On one occasion, our investigator watched Petland employees talking to three people who called about sick puppies during a single shift. At the same store, a staff member revealed that she had contracted campylobacter (a drug-resistant strain of the disease was recently linked to Petland puppies during a Centers for Disease Control investigation) and had been hospitalized for four days. The store was recently sued for the third time in recent years after a customer in the Novi store became ill with campylobacter; he too was hospitalized. At one all-staff meeting at the Novi store in March 2019, the store’s owner suggested that a new arbitration clause in purchase contracts would discourage consumers with sick puppies from filing lawsuits, saying, “They can’t take us to court.” In December 2018 and April 2019, our investigators documented similar problems at Petland stores in Kennesaw, Georgia (2018); Las Vegas (2018); and Fairfax, Virginia(2019). It is clear that Petland has become a sad example of corporate dysfunction, low animal welfare standards, disregard for consumers and betrayal of the human-animal bond. Its sourcing and transport of puppies produce a perpetual cycle of misery and disappointment. Each year, thousands of dogs Petland acquires from a variety of sources are shipped from distant states on large cargo trucks and are exposed to stress and disease. We have also found that Petland puppies come from a number of problematic suppliers, including some who appeared in our 2019 Horrible Hundred report. These suppliers include Tiffanie’s LLC in Missouri, where state inspectors found 35 puppies had died in a six-month period, some of them from parvovirus, and Blue Ribbon Puppies in Indiana, which has been linked to puppies with multi-drug-resistant campylobacter and canine distemper. We found that at least 10 different Petland stores purchased from Tiffanie’s LLC within a single month in 2019. But Petland doesn’t seem to be paying any attention and has refused to replace its defective business model for one that takes the humane approach. Worse, it’s become an active opponent of our reform efforts to clean up the puppy mill trade around the country. Consumers, and dogs, deserve much better and Petland needs to clean up its act right away by ending the sale of puppies, kittens and rabbits in all of their stores. If you’re in the market for a new pet, please visit an animal shelter or work with a reputable rescue group, to find healthy, vaccinated puppies and other pets. If you want to buy from a breeder, work with one you have met in person and carefully screened. Bringing an end to the suffering and poor treatment of puppy mill and pet store animals is one of our core commitments at the HSUS. We won’t rest until we’ve brought the curtain down on the kinds of horrors our investigation uncovered. We’re counting on you to stand with us and help us spread the word. To watch the HSUS video on this investigation go to: CarolinaTails.org/petland
SUMMER 2019 | CAROLINA TAILS
9
ADOPTIONS:: Save A Life!
PICK ME! SC IS BACK!
JULY 4 12 – 1
Statewide event’s goal is the adoption of 1,500 animals in one weekend. PICK ME! SC IS COMING BACK BIGGER and better than ever July 12 – 14. More shelters around the state and more Petco Stores than ever before are getting involved in this amazing statewide adoption event. Sponsored by the Petco Foundation and organized by No Kill South Carolina (NKSC) – the goal is to save 1,500 lives through adoptions in just one weekend. Most shelters are offering “no-fee” or “low-fee” adoptions as part of this lifesaving event. NKSC is a program of Charleston Animal Society. “People saw how successful the event was last year and we are so excited to bring it back,” said the Director of NKSC Abigail Kamleiter. NKSC brings all of South Carolina’s shelters together – to work together – through projects like Pick Me! SC. “Saving every healthy dog is a goal that is within our reach this year,” said Kamleiter. “Once we accomplish that, we will then focus on cats and dogs with treatable conditions. Together we can do this!” More Petco Stores Taking Part Last year, 10 Petco stores across the state opened their doors to shelters and rescues— this year the number will more than double. Petco stores provide space for shelters and rescues to reach even more potential adopters. This year, the involvement by Petco stores will be bigger than ever, “We will have all 25 stores taking part, including some along the border in North Carolina” said Robert Tuttle, Petco District Leader South Carolina and North Carolina West. “We see this is as a stepping stone in our big picture plan to really service the community in times of joy and in times of need.” Long-Term Impact of Pick Me! SC Many people who went to adopt during Pick Me! SC last year, shared that they had never visited their local shelter before the Pick 10 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2019
The Petco team across South Carolina is looking forward to seeing you July 12 - 14 for Pick Me! SC. From left: Kristal Richardson, North Charleston Store Leader, Melba Slade, Gastonia Store Leader, John Ewald, Sumter Store Leader, Nick McGirr, Mt. Pleasant Guest Experience Leader, Robert Tuttle, District Leader South Carolina and North Carolina West, Becca Boronat, NKSC Manager, Abigail Kamleiter, NKSC Director.
Me! SC weekend. Organizers hope people will continue to see the value that shelters bring to their individual communities. “It really brought communities together to show pride in their area shelters. When people visit these shelters, they now realize they can have a tremendous impact on saving lives,” said Kamleiter. From the Mountains to the Sea Pick Me! SC truly is a statewide event, with shelter and rescues participating from the mountains of the Upstate to the beaches of the Lowcountry. Whether you live in the Upstate, the Pee Dee, the Midlands or the Lowcountry, wonderful animals will be available for adoptions and incredible deals are being offered. From the Mountains to the Sea, Won’t You Pick Me! SC. If you are adopting, please remember to bring a leash for dogs or a carrier for cats. Some of the locations may have these items for sale but be sure to check in advance. For more information, visit PickMeSC.com.
BY THE NUMBERS: More than 1,100 animals were adopted during the 2018 Pick Me! SC event. This year the goal is 1,500 animals. Hurricane Florence forced many shelters to close in the Pee Dee region during the event, which impacted adoption numbers in that area. Lowcountry: 395 Midlands: 343 Upstate: 320 Pee Dee: 120 Other Animals: 10 Total: 1,188 Since 1999, Petco Foundation has invested more than $200 million in lifesaving animal welfare work across the country.
ANIMAL ADVOCACY: Congress
ON TH RECO E RD Congressman Joe Cunningham and his family, wife Amanda, son Boone and their dog Teddy.
Congressman Unleashed U.S. Congressman Joe Cunningham on Animals & the Law
U
.S. REP. JOE CUNNINGHAM IS OUR VOICE ON CAPITOL HILL, REPRESENTING THE LOWCOUNTRY COAST AS OUR FIRST DISTRICT CONGRESSMAN. WHERE DOES THIS FRESHMAN LAWMAKER LAND ON ISSUES SURROUNDING ANIMAL ADVOCACY? CAROLINA TAILS ASKED HIM THESE FIVE QUESTIONS TO FIND OUT.
Q: Tell us about the animals in your life and where you land politically on the protection of animals. Our dog Teddy, a five-year-old rescue, is a beloved member of our family. When I’m back home in the Lowcountry, one of my favorite things to do is take Teddy on a morning run, or to the park with our son Boone. I strongly support the protection of animals and I’m proud that’s not a partisan issue in Congress. Democrats and Republicans are working together to pass and strengthen legislation protecting animals large and small.
PUPPY MILLS Q: The WOOF Act will amend the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to prevent the issuance or renewal of a license to breeders who have not demonstrated compliance with animal care standards. It will also prohibit the issuance or renewal of a license to breeders whose previous licenses have been revoked or suspended, or to their immediate family members at the same address. Will you support or co-sponsor this legislation? I am a proud cosponsor of the WOOF Act, bipartisan legislation to promote the welfare and improve living conditions of commercially-bred dogs. It is crucial we protect the welfare of animals, and the WOOF Act does that by closing existing loopholes to better protect man’s best friend from abuse.
HORSES Q: Thousands of American horses are slaughtered and shipped overseas for foreign dinner plates. Racing horses are inflicted with pain & caustic chemicals in a practice known as "soring." These are just a couple examples of the threats facing these animals. The Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act would prohibit the slaughter of horses for human consumption in the U.S. and end their export for slaughter abroad. The Prevent All Soring Tactics
Act would eliminate the abusive act of soring horses. Will you support or co-sponsor this legislation? I am proud to cosponsor the SAFE Act and the Prevent all Soring Tactics [PAST] Act. It’s an unfortunate reality that horse abuse is still rampant in this country. The bipartisan PAST Act will protect horses from the cruel and inhumane practice of deliberately inflicting pain and suffering for show purposes. Horses are majestic, powerful creatures and companions who are not raised as food for humans. The SAFE act will permanently ban domestic horse slaughter and end the export of horses abroad for the same purpose.
SHARKS Q: Your anti-drilling TV commercials were wildly popular and showed your love for our coastline and oceans. As many as 73million sharks are killed each year to supply the global trade in shark fins. The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act, H.R. 737, would ban the possession of and commerce in shark fins in the United States. Will you vote for or cosponsor the bill? I am proud to cosponsor the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act. While the act of shark finning is illegal in the United States, unfortunately wrongly obtained fins are still imported and exported on American soil. The Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act will help sustain healthy populations of sharks worldwide, and as a former ocean engineer I know how important this is to ocean conservation. This bipartisan bill is good for our oceans, and important tourism jobs and businesses that depend on healthy oceans and shark populations.
LEADERSHIP Q: Will you be a leader in animal protection legislation? What specific actions will you take? I am proud to cosponsor important, bipartisan legislation that protect animals large and small. Bottom line, we all have a responsibility to care for and protect God’s creatures, and that’s a responsibility I take seriously. Cunningham’s spokeswoman tells us Rep. Cunningham “is in the process” of joining the bipartisan Congressional Animal Protection Caucus.
SUMMER 2019 | CAROLINA TAILS
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ANIMAL RESCUE:: Happy Ending
FIREFIGHTER ADOPTS PUPPY HE RESCUED
KY C O R S I ! ED V A S
BY CAROLYN MURRAY AND JAN-MICHAEL PUGH
Captain Bryant said a family was on the scene when firefighters arrived. They had tried unsuccessfully to coax the puppy from under the rocks and rubble. The team of firefighters was determined to pull the puppy from under the debris. Captain Bryant said he got low on the ground and coaxed the puppy as he stretched as far as he could into the rubble. He said he figured the story would have a good ending when he felt the puppy licking him! "Well the dog was licking my fingers from the beginning and then I made contact with him, and he was licking me, and so I knew he was friendly, and he was kind of telling me ‘thank you for taking me out of this hole!’"
From the moment he was pulled from a pile of rubble by North Charleston Fire Captain Paul Bryant, “Rocky” knew he was in good hands. Photo: Tian Griffith
THEY SAY THEY NEVER KNOW what they will encounter at the scene of an emergency. But after pulling a trapped puppy to safety, a North Charleston firefighter is being recognized as an Everyday Hero for saving a puppy's life not once but twice. THE CALL COMES IN North Charleston Fire Captain Paul Bryant says his engine received a 911 call for an animal in distress at Sumner Avenue and Remount Roads. He said once at the scene he could hear the puppy crying for help, because somehow the puppy found himself stuck under rocks. 14 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2019
THE STORY CONTINUES But that is not the end of this hero's tale. Captain Bryant took the puppy to the Charleston Animal Society to see if the puppy was microchipped or would be claimed by an owner. It was not. “It turned out he didn’t have an owner, and we decided to come back and adopt him,” Bryant says. The new member to the family would soon be given a name reminiscent of his uncertain beginning. "My daughter actually named him. She said you need to call him ‘Rocky,’" Bryant says. ALL IN A DAY’S WORK North Charleston Police Chief Greg Bulanow says it is all in a day’s work for First Responders. "This is what they do every day. I am kind of used to it because I see the great things they do for every member of the community, for human beings and for animals as well," Bulanow said.
Rocky looks like a natural on the North Charleston fire truck. Photo: Kimberly Bryant
Tian Griffith is the engineer who caught the rescue on his cell phone… a video that would go viral and appear on major networks like ABC, CNN, NBC and more. "I just knew we were going to see something special," said Griffith about why he decided to videotape the rescue. They all agree this was an extraordinary day’s work – and Bryant says he couldn’t have done it without his team. "From the dispatchers that received the call, to the police department that was there, to the engineer that brought me there, to the firefighter that assisted me in taking everything out… I know the spotlight is on me but one person does not do it alone.” Bryant said. You can see the article’s author Carolyn Murray weeknights on Count on 2 News. She is also a Board Member of Charleston Animal Society.
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K9 CARE: Protection
A K9’S FALL PROMPTS CHANGE
MY TUR N
Paramedics for K9s will now be onsite in Mount Pleasant after a joint project between the town’s police and fire departments. BY SHANE HIMES, MT. PLEASANT FIRE DEPARTMENT PARAMEDIC
IT WAS A HORRIBLE FALL. A THREEstory plunge by one of Mount Pleasant’s finest during a training exercise. When Arko, a police K9, hit the ground after falling through a window, his handlers did everything they could to save him and rushed Arko to a nearby emergency vet for treatment. While he was seriously injured, Arko survived and is now enjoying retirement in the home of his K9 handler. ARKO’S FALL PROMPTS CHANGE Following this traumatic event, the K9 Handlers looked for lessons in what happened. In Arko’s case, there was no prior notification to the emergency vet that an injured K9 was en route to them so they could prepare. There was a delay in medical care while trying to obtain information on Arko, such as his weight. Finally, questions lingered on whether the handling of this emotionally chaotic event could have gone smoother. Mount Pleasant Police K9 Handler Andrew Scott reached out to me at the Mount Pleasant Fire Department – and together we searched for solutions. Our central question: What could be done to make sure that an injured K9 receives medical care immediately following an injury? ONSITE PARAMEDICS FOR K9s Together we created a program to provide advanced lifesaving care in the event that one of the Mount Pleasant Police Department K9’s becomes injured. Having medically trained personnel present during emergency scenes and 18 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2019
hazardous training would guarantee that these K9s receive immediate treatment. The program will train the Mount Pleasant Fire Department’s Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) Team to be able to provide Paramedic care to an injured law enforcement K9. The TEMS Team consists of one Emergency Physician, one Chief Officer Paramedic, and five Tactical Paramedics that are already trained to provide medical care in the tactical setting. HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS K9 Handlers now have the ability to request a TEMS Paramedic for training. TEMS Paramedics also respond with the K9s to emergency scenes where the K9s will be utilized. The TEMS Paramedics will be able to sedate the K9 in the event that the K9 or the K9’s Handler needs immediate medical attention. This will reduce the physical and emotional stress on the K9 during this emergency. An injured K9 could cause further harm to him or herself. The TEMS Paramedics are trained to notify the receiving medical facility while en route to give them preparation time. Upon arrival at the veterinary emergency hospital, the TEMS Paramedic will then turn over the K9 patient to the staff to ensure immediate continuation of care. Lastly, the TEMS Paramedics are trained to be able to provide life-saving interventions in the most stressful and chaotic situations. They will bring stability throughout this event. Paramedics are already trained to provide the care outlined in this program to human patients. The programs curriculum will
A three-story fall involving Mount Pleasant K9 Arko inspired a new paramedic program for K9s.
include an anatomy section on police working dogs and scenarios of providing K9 care in the tactical environment. The TEMS Paramedics will then attend a clinical rotation in a veterinary operating room to prove clinical proficiency as they add K9 care into their skills set. The K9s primary care veterinarian will serve as the Medical Control Physician for the K9 care program. They will oversee the TEMS Paramedic training in the form of signed clinical operating guidelines. Members of the TEMS Team will periodically visit Charleston Animal Society to continue training in the anatomy and treatment of dogs with on-staff veterinarians. “We think this is an amazing program and we want to support our first responders in any way we can,” said Charleston Animal Society Senior Director of Veterinary Care Dr. Lucy Fuller.
Mount Pleasant Fire Department's Shane Himes (L) developed a program with Mount Pleasant Police K9 Handler Andrew Scott (R) to offer immediate care to K9s like Thor while training or at emergency scenes.
HORSE ADVOCACY: Carriage Tours
HEAT LOOPHOLE EXPOSED IN CHARLESTON
95° ? LY REAL
How carriage tours stay on the streets well past the 95° max temperature. IT’S AN ISSUE CAROLINA TAILS HAS brought to light before – a loophole in the carriage tour ordinance. Most people believe the city pulls horses off the street as soon as the temperature reaches 95° -- but that is not the case. In May, the Lowcountry experienced an unusually early heat wave, with temperatures skyrocketing to 95° - 100° on several days. On at least three of those days, horses were eventually pulled, but what you may not realize is the animals were working in temperatures beyond 95° before they were taken off the streets. So why were horses still on the streets when temperatures reached as high as 97°? Within minutes of a Charleston Animal Society Facebook post raising that question, horses were finally pulled downtown. These horses were caught in the “loophole.” To understand how this happens, you have to look at the details of the ordinance that was passed with much fanfare more than two years ago. THE LOOPHOLE CONTINUES Most people believe that carriage tours downtown are pulled when temperatures reach 95°. While it’s an easy talking point for carriage operators and the city to tell the media – it just isn’t true. It’s much harder to say what the law actually states. A loophole in the ordinance DOES NOT pull carriages from the road until there are four consecutive readings of 95° or higher! These readings are taken 15-minutes apart. Despite the temperature exceeding 95° during the heatwave, carriages were still carrying tourists in temperatures that reached 95°, 96° and 97° and perhaps even higher, according to the city’s official thermometer downtown. (By the way, the
city’s thermometer is on top of the DoubleTree hotel, instead of at ground level where the horses work). Once city officials determine the temperature has reached 95°, they make note of it but continue to allow carriages to tour. This first reading just starts the “clock.” After 15 minutes, they will again record the temperature. Even if it is higher than 95°, like the 97° eyewitnesses saw horses working in during May, the carriages can continue according to the ordinance. After another 15 minutes, they record the temperature a third time. Even if the mercury is still rising and far above 95° – horses can continue to work. It is not until the fourth reading, which takes place 45 minutes after the initial reading of 95° – that the horses will be pulled if, and only if, each of the readings has been 95° or higher. You read that right: to make it even more complicated for the working animals, if just one of those readings dips slightly below 95° -- the whole process starts over and the horses and mules keep on sweating it out in the heat. On top of that, it can take the carriages and wagons a considerable amount of time to make it back to the barns once they’re called in, which is not factored into the ordinance. WHAT CAN BE DONE “This loophole is so easy to fix,” said Charleston Animal Society President & CEO Joe Elmore. “We could easily regain the public trust by pulling the horses when the temperature reaches 95° -- PERIOD!” This loophole has occurred time and again since this ordinance was passed. Charleston Animal Society has sent out alerts about it happening in 2017, 2018 and
now in 2019. You can monitor the city’s official thermometer at weather.weatherbug.com/ weather-forecast/now/charleston-sc29407?station=3:CHRDT. If you still see horses operating at temperatures above 95°, contact city officials at (843) 709-1985 and email Charleston Animal Society at: Cruelty@CharlestonAnimalSociety.org. Let city officials hear your voice about closing this loophole once and for all. Tell them to drop the requirement of four readings and pull horses at 95°, keeping them off the streets until the temperatures are safely below the threshold temperature. “Bottom line, we still need a scientific study to determine what a safe threshold temperature really is. The current maximum temperature, 95°, was adopted by the city as a political solution, not one based in science,” Elmore said. “Charleston Animal Society is not against working animals, but we call for reform, based on an independent study that will look at heat, load and congestion.”
COULD THIS BE PART OF THE SOLUTION? The University of Kentucky has developed an Agriculture Weather Website that allows you to type in a zip code and actually see whether animals like horses are in danger for heat stress. Go to www.weather.uky.edu to use this system. “We recommend that this unbiased system at the University of Kentucky be utilized by the City of Charleston, until an independent, peer-reviewed, scientific study that will consider all factors, such as heat, load, rest, and congestion is conducted,” Elmore said. Using this site, danger warnings were posted for the Charleston Area when temperatures reached an air temperature far below 95°. Check out the site and share it with city officials. You can find links to the site at CarolinaTails.org and CharlestonAnimalSociety.org.
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LAW & ORDER:: Your Pets
ASK A LAWYER No matter how much we love our pets, there’s always the chance they will run into a legal situation. Attorney David Aylor took time to answer questions from our readers in this edition of Ask a Lawyer.
QUESTION: I am 62-years-old and recently had to go into the hospital for kidney surgery. I was worried about my cat and decided it was best to give her up for adoption. Now that I've healed, I completely regret that decision and want her back. Where do I stand legally? Can I get Lulu back? -Estelle, Green Pond DAVID AYLOR: Hi Estelle, sometimes tough decisions must be made that we may later regret. However, all is not lost. Your legal position depends on the language contained in your adoption agreement, and the length of time since the formal adoption procedure was finalized. Adoption agencies understand when tough decisions are made, owners may regret those decisions. If Lulu has not been adopted, there is a good chance you can get Lulu back. QUESTION: My roommate was wrestling with my dog, goofing around when my dog bit him. It wasn't serious and he got checked out at the ER. But now he is threatening to sue and I'm worried Pong could be put down. What can I do? --Mike, North Charleston DAVID AYLOR: Hi Mike, it’s unfortunate rough play with your dog led to your roommate getting bitten. According to S.C. Code Ann. §47-3-110(B)(1), a dog owner is not liable for a dog bite, if at the time the person is bitten, the person who was attacked provoked or harassed the dog and that provocation caused the bite. However, if Pong has previously bitten anyone else, you may be held responsible for your roommates’ injuries. If a dog owner knows or has reason to know of their dog’s aggressive propensities, the dog owner will be held to strict liability. QUESTION: About three months ago, I bought a dog from a breeder and unfortunately Capers has had multiple health issues, costing me hundreds of dollars. The breeder is refusing to help with any of my vet bills. Can I do anything? --Paula, Awendaw
David Aylor with his son Fletcher and English Lab, Belle.
DAVID AYLOR: Hi Paula, sorry to hear the misfortunes of your experience buying a dog from a breeder. When you agreed to purchase Capers from the breeder, you entered into a contract with the breeder. Inherent in your agreement is a warranty of merchantability, which means Capers should have been healthy. Unfortunately, if the breeder is refusing to honor their side of the contract, you may have to pursue your claim in Small Claims Court.
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FOSTERING:: Field Trips
OOK B E FAC TIVITY I POS
PAWS AROUND TOWN Not ready to adopt a dog, but still want to hang out with one? Paws Around Town at Charleston Animal Society is the perfect program for you! Paws Around Town allows us to give a shelter dog a day off. The stress of a shelter can be very overwhelming for dogs and a day out on the town is the perfect getaway they need. People will also share photos, videos, and stories across social media using “#pawsaroundtown” – and these posts help get these pets adopted by people who see the animals! Here are a few of these amazing posts. Sign up at www.CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/foster.
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RESCUE:: Adopt, Don’t Buy!
TAKE ME HOME
RESC U ME E
Make this a Summer to remember by adopting a cat or dog! Our pets come vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered. Did you know Charleston Animal Society provides all of the adoptable cats that visitors find at Pounce Cat Cafe (283 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC)? Visit Pounce and Charleston Animal Society at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston or visit www.CharlestonAnimalSociety.org. Dog Photography: Jeanne Taylor/JTPetPics.com; Marie Rodriguez / MarieRodriguezPhotography.com
Not sure how I got my name Bruce, but I do have moves like Bruce Lee -- AAAAAIIIIIEEEEEEYA! Still a kitten and looking for love. I’m available for adoption at Charleston Animal Society.
Hi, I’m Celia -- the one with a pretty pink bow. I’m a kitten, delicate as snow but with a bit of a playful streak you might say. I’m looking for a home to grow up in!
Some call me Frank, but you can call me 'Ol Blue Eyes. I’m not a crooner but a meower -and how I love to sing you to sleep at night. Come see me at Charleston Animal Society.
Yes, I’m a Ginger and proud of it. I do enjoy a good a game of peek-a-boo and a good scratching post. Maybe we’re a match made in heaven? Ask for Opie at Charleston Animal Society.
My name is Bubba and I’m an adorable hound that can be a bit goofy at times. I love to roll on my back and do a little dance I call the “Bubba Wubba.” Let’s go dance together!
I’m Franklin, 30-pounds of pure love. At 6, I’m already housebroken and people tell me I’m quite the sweetheart. Come say hello and maybe we could hang out...permanently?
They call me Champ because I’ve seen a lot in my 9 years. The toughest was being given up recently by my family who owned me since I was a puppy, along with my brother from another mother. He’s been adopted and paws crossed, here’s hoping I’m next!
Hi everyone, I’m Jill -a 2-year-old staffie mix-- who loves to be the life of the party. I’ve got plenty of energy to make sure we both go out on walks together. Come visit at Charleston Animal Society.
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VET DIRECTORY Charleston
West Ashley
North Charleston
Saddleback Mobile Veterinary Service (843) 718-4299 Mobile
Air Harbor Veterinary Clinic (843) 556-5252 1925 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407
Animal Hospital of North Charleston (843) 352-8404 8389 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418
All Creatures Veterinary Clinic (843) 579-0030 224 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401 Patrick Veterinary Clinic (843) 722-4470 667 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403 Charleston Harbor Veterinarians (843) 410-8290 280 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403 Olde Towne Veterinary Clinic (843) 723-1443 17 Pinckney St, Charleston, SC 29401
Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital (843) 769-6784 3422 Shelby Ray Ct, Charleston, SC 29414 West Ashley Veterinary Clinic (843) 571-7095 840 St Andrews Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407 Animal Care Center (843) 556-9993 1662 Savannah Hwy #135, Charleston, SC 29407 Animal Medical West (843) 766-7387 704 Orleans Rd, Charleston, SC 29407 Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (843) 614-8387 3484 Shelby Ray Ct, Charleston, SC 29414 VCA Charles Towne Animal Hospital (843) 571-4291 850 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407 Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 766-7724 2076 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
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Lowcountry Pet Wellness Clinic (843) 556-7387 5900 Rivers Ave, Unit D-1, North Charleston, SC 29406 Veterinary Specialty Care (843) 793-2161 3163 West Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29418 Dorchester Veterinary Hospital (843) 552-0259 5617 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418 Coastal Carolina Veterinary Specialists (843) 747-1507 3163 W Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29418 Charleston Heights Veterinary Clinic (843) 554-4361 2124 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405 Northwoods Veterinary Clinic (843) 553-0441 8320 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406 The Animal Hospital of North Charleston (843) 608-8948 8389 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418 Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 797-4677 7620 Rivers Ave, Charleston, SC 29406
COMMUNITY
:: 2016 Chili Cook-Off
Charleston Animal Society and Carolina Tails want to always promote the best habits for animal care possible and seeing your veterinarian regularly is key to having a happy, healthy animal.
Mount Pleasant Exotic Vet Care (843) 216-8387 814 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 East Cooper Animal Hospital (843) 884-6171 993 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Island Veterinary Care (843) 628-1941 Mobile Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital (843) 884-4921 1213 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Pet Vet Animal Hospital (843) 416-9304 307 Mill St, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Shuler Animal Hospital (843) 884-4494 1769 Highway 17 N, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Veterinary Specialty Care (843) 216-7554 985 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Advanced Animal Care of Mount Pleasant (843) 884-9838 3373 S Morgans Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
Animal Eye Care of the Lowcountry (843) 881-2242 1131 Queensborough Blvd Suite 100, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Tidewater Veterinary (843) 856-7300 1964 Riviera Dr Suite G, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Animal Medical Center of Mt. Pleasant (843) 881-5858 958 Houston Northcutt Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 971-7460 911 Houston Northcutt, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Cats Only Animal Hospital (843) 849-1661 1492 B North Highway 17, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Long Point Animal Hospital (843) 971-7701 757 Long Point Rd, #B, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Palmetto Veterinary Hospital (843) 881-9915 2443 Hwy 17 N, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 Park West Veterinary Associates Park West Veterinary Associates Simply Spay & Neuter (843) 856-9190 1054-C Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Southeast Veterinary Dermatology & Ear Clinic (843) 849-7770 1131 Queensborough Blvd Suite 100, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 971-7460 (843) 388-1701 676 Long Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Isle of Palms Sandy Cove Veterinary Clinic (843) 885-6969 1521 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
James Island Folly Road Animal Hospital (843) 762-4944 1038 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 Charleston Veterinary Care (843) 789-3222 51 Windermere Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407 Maybank Animal Hospital (843) 795-3131 1917 Maybank Hwy, Charleston, SC 29412
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ANIMAL CARE
James Island
Goose Creek
Oceanside Veterinary Clinic (843) 795-7574 1509 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
Creekside Veterinary Clinic (843) 824-8044 431-G St. James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445
Sea Islands Veterinary Hospital (843) 795-6477 1310 Camp Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
Mt. Holly Veterinary Clinic (843) 405-7765 113 St. James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445
James Island Veterinary Hospital (843)795-5295 756 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
Animal Medical Clinic of Goose Creek (843) 569-3647 102 Central Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445
Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 406-8609 520 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
Goose Creek Veterinary Clinic (843) 553-7011 501 Redbank Rd. Goose Creek, SC 29445
Pet Helpers Spay and Neuter Clinic (843) 302-0556 1447 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
Johns Island Angel Oak Animal Hospital (843) 559-1838 3160 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
Hanahan Best Friends Animal Clinic (843) 414-7455 1000 Tanner Ford Blvd, Hanahan, SC 29410 Hanahan Veterinary Clinic (843) 744-8927 1283 Yeamans Hall Rd, Hanahan, SC 29410
Bohicket Veterinary Clinic (843) 559-3889 3472 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
Ladson
Johns Island Animal Hospital (843) 559-9697 1769 Main Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455
College Park Road Veterinary Clinic (843) 797-1493 186 College Park Rd, Ladson, SC 29456
Riverbank Veterinary Clinic (843) 277-2250 2814 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
Moncks Corner
Southside Animal Hospital (843) 556-6969 3642 Savannah Hwy Suite 176 West Ashley Place, Johns Island, SC 29455
Foxbank Veterinary Hospital 113 Foxbank Plantation Blvd. Suite A, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 (843) 405-4611
Sun Dog Cat Moon (843) 437-0063 2908 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
Lowcountry Pet Hospice and Home Euthanasia (843) 640-9755 Mobile
Daniel Island
Summerville
Daniel Island Animal Hospital (843) 881-7228 291 Seven Farms Dr, Daniel Island, SC 29492
Sangaree Animal Hospital (843) 494-5121 1665-A N Main St, Summerville, SC 29486
Lowcountry Home Vet (843) 406-2997 Mobile
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Sangaree Animal Hospital at Cane Bay (843) 494-5121 1724 State Rd, Unit 5D, Summerville SC 29486
Banfield Pet Hospital (843) 832-0919 470 Azalea Square Blvd, Summerville, SC 29483 Flowertown Animal Hospital (843) 875-6303 1357 Bacons Bridge, Summerville, SC 29485 Westbury Veterinary Clinic (843) 873-2761 1497 W 5th North St, Summerville, SC 29483 Central Veterinary Hospital (843) 851-2112 1215 Central Ave, Summerville, SC 29483 Shambley Equine Clinic (843) 875-5133 122 Kay Ln, Summerville, SC 29483 Knightsville Veterinary Clinic (843) 851-7784 478 W Butternut Rd, Summerville, SC 29483 Nemasket Veterinary Clinic (843) 871-4560 605 Miles Rd, Summerville, SC 29485 Oakbrook Veterinary Clinic (843) 871-2900 1705 Old Trolley Rd, Summerville, SC 29485 Sweetgrass Animal Hospital (843) 225-9663 9730 Dorchester Rd Suite 101, Summerville, SC 29485 Summerville Pet Clinic (843) 718-8980 1915 Old Trolley Rd Summerville SC 29485
FIGHTING CRUELTY:: New Law
Tails that he hopes to make the tethering portion of the law happen next year. The tethering law would prohibit heavy chains as tethers and mandate that adequate shelter and water be provided. Also, the tether would need to be a length long enough for the dog to properly move around. Charleston area lawmakers led the way and were enthusiastic supporters of the new law. “We applaud Senate Agriculture Committee Chair, Sen. Paul Campbell, for championing this bill in the senate this year and last year,” said Charleston Animal Society President & CEO Joe Elmore. “We also received crucial support in the House from Judiciary Committee Chair, Rep. Peter McCoy and House Judiciary Subcommittee Chair, Rep. Christopher Murphy.”
NEW ANTI-CRUELTY BILL SIGNED INTO LAW
SUPPORT FOR LAW IS WIDESPREAD Here is a list of agencies and organizations that supported the passage of this legislation: • SC Animal Legislative Coalition (SCALC) • SC Association of Veterinarians (SCAV) • SC Animal Care and Control Association (SCACCA) • SC Association of Counties • Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)’
E OUS H E T STA EPORT R
THE EFFORTS TO IMPROVE ANIMAL care standards in South Carolina began more than three years ago in the animal welfare community across South Carolina. The result ended with Governor Henry McMaster signing Senate Bill 105 into law May 16. Senator Paul Campbell (R), fought for the bill from the beginning, “Basically I care about animals and we got too many people who treat them harshly and it worries me. I love our pets and if you abuse an animal, I have concerns about your ability to live in society -- would you not abuse a child or adult?” REACTION FROM ANIMAL ADVOCATES IS MIXED “The passage of this important legislation is bittersweet because we had to sacrifice two of the key provisions, humane tethering and shelter standards,” said the Chair of the South Carolina Animal Legislative Coalition Denise Wilkinson. “However, we will live to fight another day for humane tethering and shelter standards in 2020.” Senator Campbell agrees, telling Carolina
INSIDE THE LAW The legislation will improve the quality of life for companion animals in seven key ways
PROVISION
IMPACT
Training magistrates in animal cruelty
Magistrates will now be better informed before making rulings in animal cruelty cases.
Decreasing stray hold times for litters of cats and dogs
This will make kittens and puppies available for adoption much more quickly, increasing their quality of life and decreasing costs to shelters.
Providing for cost of care reimbursement to organizations holding abused animals through the trial of defendants
This will deter defendants from deliberately stalling court proceedings to burden shelters holding their animals. If the shelter can no longer hold the animal, charges are sometimes dropped against the defendant.
Prioritize spay/neuter license plate funds to go to impoverished counties
When people purchase the Spay/Neuter license plate, the funds will now prioritize poorer counties that need funds to provide spay/neuter services to residents’ pets.
Expediting the process for out-of-state veterinarians to respond to local disasters
When hurricanes or flooding happen in South Carolina, this new provision will allow out-of-state veterinarians to assist evacuations and rescues in a much smoother fashion.
Amending state law to provide for the sterilization of stray
Recognizes Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) as an effective population reduction method for outdoor cats.
Amends state law regarding spay/neuter to replace the term “refuge” with “rescue organization”
Updates state law to use more modern terminology
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CATS:: Getting Along
KITT Y KAO S
Hank and Laurel Greer with their original four cats Simon, Sam, Sirri and Bear -- when their household was in perfect cat balance.
THE PEACE MAKERS WHEN A FOUR-CAT HOUSEHOLD BECOMES TWO – TROUBLE BREAKS OUT. BY LAUREL & HANK GREER PHOTOS BY JEANNE TAYLOR / JTPETPICS.COM
UP UNTIL SEVERAL YEARS AGO, WE WERE A HAPPY FAMILY THAT INCLUDED THE TWO OF US AND OUR FOUR RESCUED CATS. Sam, whom we adopted from Charleston Animal Society in 1999, was the patriarch and soul of our household. He helped us keep everyone else in line. Simon and Bear were born in our basement after we rescued a mama cat from a hoarding situation in 2004. Then there was Sirri whom we found alone and frightened at just 7 weeks old in 2009. 28 CAROLINA TAILS | SUMMER 2019
Together, this cast of characters brought so much joy to our home. Everything seemed in perfect balance. THE CIRCLE OF LIFE Five years seemed to pass so quickly with all four of them together. Then in 2014, we sadly lost two of them just months apart, our precious Sam in June and our sweet Simon in November. One of the things that helped us through this difficult time was the company of Bear and Sirri. We were devastated, but we still had both of them to cherish. THE CHAOS Unfortunately, the chemistry in the house changed dramatically after losing Sam and Simon. Bear and Sirri became archenemies, fighting quite violently -- and often. We tried every type of calming method recommended: pheromones, crystals, herbal remedies, prescription medications, etc. Nothing seemed to work, and we were so disheartened to see our two babies fighting. At wits’ end – we wondered if doing something drastic would solve our problem: bringing in new cats to re-balance the household.
Rusty seems blissfully unaware of the calm his aura helped bring to the Greer household.
Tanner is one of the two kittens that came bringing peace back to the Greer household after their older cats started fighting.
THE PEACE MAKERS ARRIVE The wonderful staff at Charleston Animal Society knew of our issues and kept their eyes open for the perfect two kittens. We didn't have to wait long! We got the call that they had two beautiful male orange kittens who seemed to be very outgoing and affectionate. We spent time visiting and playing with them and decided they would be perfect for us – and hopefully, perfect for Bear and Sirri! We named these darling little kittens Tanner and Rusty. Somehow, upon their arrival, peace descended on our household. It didn't take long for Tanner and Rusty to take Bear and Sirri’s focus off each other. When the kittens first arrived, the 'adults' would sit in the room by the kittens' condo and play with them through the cage, watching them frolic. When we finally let the kittens have the freedom of a whole room, the relationships continued to flourish. Shortly afterwards, we let everyone have full run of the house. In the end, our prayers were answered. Bear and Sirri pretty much stopped their horrible fighting and once again, we have a happy home because of our little "Peace Makers," Tanner and Rusty! , SUMMER 2019 | CAROLINA TAILS
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GOATS:: Exercise
I Survived Goat Yoga ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY JEANNE TAYLOR / JTPETPICS.COM Editor’s Note: Usually we count on Jeanne Taylor to bring amazing photos to Carolina Tails. This time, she agreed to go above and beyond and experience Goat Yoga for all who only dreamed of having a goat jump on their backs during “Downward Dog.”
T
wo things I had never done before today were: (1) Yoga and (2) GOAT YOGA.
When a friend and I were talking about baby goats and goats in pajamas, the conversation took a natural turn to Goat Yoga. I did a quick Google search and found a location nearby that not only offered Goat Yoga but included a beginner level so anyone could attend and enjoy. There are many things that may cross your mind when you imagine Goat Yoga. Farm animals often have their own … aroma. Does it smell like a farm? Goats like to butt heads – is it dangerous? Will I be doing yoga poses on a barn floor? NO HEAD-BUTTING PLEASE The answers to these burning questions were actually laid out on
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the host’s web site. The location is a private home, an 1850s colonial farmhouse in Summerville, that is under DIY renovation and the property is more than sufficient to allow for a large group. There was also plenty of space for the goats to comfortably roam and participate. There was a small faux-barn area where the chickens and goats feed, but there was nothing that overwhelmingly said, “Farm animals live here.” When we arrived, we were first greeted by our host, Jenna, and her beautiful one-year old Great Pyrenees, Winter. We then met Yoga Joe, who was holding two-week old kid, Azalea, an adorable, pint-sized baby goat. As we laid out our mats, the goats knew what to do. Joe offered an introduction, and Jenna told us a little about the goats’ backgrounds. During this time, the adult goats (Magnolia and Wisteria) gave a quick show running around, occasionally head-
NAAA
AMAS
butting each other, stopping by the mats to check in and see who may have treats, and grazing on piles of foliage that were set out for their snacks. The baby goats ran in a zig-zag pattern, jumping sideways, leaping over raised beds and checking in periodically for selfies with the attendees. ASSUME YOUR ASANA Once the class started and people began their poses, the baby goats became ornamental and hopped atop the attendees during any pose that offered at least a mostly flat back. I had the interesting and entertaining experience of a five-week old baby goat named Camellia hopping up on me during a Cobra Pose. It was challenging to hold the pose knowing there was this adorable creature walking around on my back and legs, but only because I really wanted to flip over and play with the baby goat!
TE
The host also periodically retrieved the babies and carried them to different mat areas to make sure everyone had some time with them. The class lasted for an hour of actual instruction, during which time we breathed in the spring air on a beautiful Lowcountry day, we laughed, we stretched, and we relaxed. Once the class concluded, there was a Goat Happy Hour, where you could visit with the animals in a more concentrated way, take photos, and learn about some of the homemade items they sell such as soaps, candles, honey and other home dĂŠcor. Jenna also brought out a bushel of baby chicks who were recently hatched, rounding out the full small-farm experience. This is definitely a must-do item for anyone who wants to spend a morning getting back to nature and relaxing in the company of some gentle people and completely captivating animals. For more information, to register, or to arrange a private event, visit www.flowertowncharm.com.
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TIME TO PLAY!
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Kids are some of the best animal advocates so we’ve devoted this space to young pet lovers.