Members of the Humane Society of Dillon County are making plans now for a very active year. The first meeting of 2016 will be held at Twin Lakes Country Club on Tuesday, January 19, at 7:00 p.m
Several major projects are being planned. One project, of which more information will soon be featured in The Dillon Herald, will affect the lives of all the heartworm-positive dogs at the Dillon County Animal Shelter. A very generous member of the Humane Society is providing funding for over 40 dogs to undergo treatment.  This will enable these dogs to become very adoptable rather than endure a death sentence from this dreadful disease.
The founding purpose of the Humane Society of Dillon County is to improve the lives of all the animals of Dillon County, and one of the projects for this purpose has been to provide funding of a low-income spay-neuter program. So far, over 200 procedures have been completed, and more will be scheduled in the coming year. During the month of October and December, the Humane Society joined forces with Friends Helping the Dillon Shelter to encourage and underwrite adoptions from the Shelter. This campaign was also successful, and over 100 dogs and cats found homes.
Also, a major role of the Humane Society is to make the general public more aware of animal cruelty and neglect. The FBI began tracking reports of animal cruelty on January 1. This tracking system enables agencies to pinpoint where animal cruelty is occurring and how other crimes are often present when and where animal cruelty occurs. Animal cruelty is considered a crime against society and can be prosecuted in four categories: simple/gross neglect, intentional abuse and torture, organized abuse (including dog and cock-fighting) and animal sexual abuse. Guidelines from the FBI have been issued as to how to report suspected animal abuse or neglect. Citizens are encouraged to call 843 841-3707 to report neglect or abuse.
In the City of Dillon, the number to call is 843 774-0183.
Citizens can also call the Sheriff’s Department at 843 774-1432 or call 911 and ask for the non-emergency number.
Everyone is cautioned to never, ever go on someone else’s property or confront the suspected abuser face-to-face! Instead, the recommended procedure is to get the address of where the animals are being abused or neglected, take a photograph if it is deemed safe, and then call the above numbers. It is also important to follow up on a complaint to make sure some action has been taken.
Two specific instances have occurred recently. One involved two puppies tied to a porch and abandoned.
A concerned citizen called the Animal Control Officer and the puppies were taken to a safe place. Another involved a Good Samaritan who observed two chained dogs out in the cold weather with no shelter. Once again, Animal Control investigated the situation and the animals were provided warm shelter.
The Humane Society of Dillon County needs more citizens to become actively involved in improving the lives of all the animals of Dillon County.
Remember, the first meeting of the new year will be held at Twin Lakes Country Club on Tuesday, January 19, at 7:00 p.m.