Earlier this month, a long-awaited victory was celebrated by animal shelters, law enforcement and taxpayers in South Carolina when lawmakers unanimously passed the Cost of Care bill, H.3682, through both the House and Senate. This monumental step forward for animal welfare is now awaiting ratification and the signature of Governor McMaster.

The Cost of Care (COC) bill addresses a significant issue with animal cruelty cases. Currently, when individuals are charged with cruelty to animals, the financial burden of caring for the seized animals often falls on municipal agencies, private shelters, like the SPCA Albrecht Center, or rescue groups. These entities, already operating on tight budgets, are left to bear the costs associated with caring for these animals, including veterinary care, food and more, often for prolonged periods of time while awaiting legal proceedings.

Janell Gregory, SC State Director with the Humane Society of the U.S., emphasizes the need for financial accountability in these cases. “Proposed S.C. bill would create financial accountability in animal cruelty cases,” she stated. “Because certain cruelty or fighting cases can take quite a long while to resolve or may involve large numbers of animals, these entities are often left to foot the bill for costs of care. As such, these cases negatively impact these entities by blowing their budgets and taxing their already stretched resources.”

Effective COC laws, like H.3682, shift the financial responsibility to the animals’ owners, ensuring they are held accountable for the costs incurred due to their actions. This approach is not about creating new crimes or expanding law enforcement’s authority; it is about addressing the financial burden that falls on local agencies and taxpayers when animals are lawfully seized in cruelty or fighting cases.

Two recent cases in South Carolina highlight the urgent need for H.3682. In Berkeley County, more than 30 neglected and mistreated animals including kangaroos, horses, pigs, chickens, alpacas, goats, rabbits, and more were removed from a so-called “petting zoo”, costing the sanctuary caring for the animals well over $10,000 per month for several months. And in Horry County, a 2019 dogfighting case resulted in the seizure of more than 30 dogs, costing the county over $300,000. These examples demonstrate the significant financial burden that animal cruelty cases can impose on local agencies.

The proposed COC process is straightforward and fair. Once animals are lawfully seized due to cruelty or fighting, the agency caring for them can request a hearing. If a judge determines the seizure was warranted, the owner must either pay for the animals’ care or relinquish them. This not only alleviates the financial impact on taxpayers and agencies but also expedites the animals’ recovery and rehoming process.

The overwhelming bipartisan support for H.3682 reflects a shared commitment to fairness and responsibility. Janell Gregory noted, “Today, South Carolina became a more humane state for animals, and YOU helped! Your outreach and support have been key in making sure our lawmakers understood the importance of this bill and they listened.”

As the bill awaits Governor McMaster’s signature, we urge our community to continue their support. Please take a moment to thank your House and Senate officials for their unanimous support of H.3682. You can find your legislators and send them a message of gratitude at www.scstatehouse.gov/legislatorssearch.php.

Sarah Neikam is the Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2012, holding various roles including Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations & HR. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator as of 2022, Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband, Tom, and several beloved cats.