Animal Advocates win staff increases at county shelter

Lancaster County Council voted unanimously Monday night to hire a part-time employee at the animal shelter to assist full-time staff who have been working overtime for months.
Before the vote, council members Larry Honeycutt praised the persistent animal advocates who have been pushing council for extra staff.
“Meeting after meeting we have heard concerned citizens tell us about the deplorable conditions at our animal shelter, and we have done nothing,” Honeycutt said.
“We have ignored the needs of the animal shelter and now is the time for this council to do whatever is necessary to right a wrong that exists today.”
Three animal advocates spoke during the meeting, urging council to approve the hire. All spoke favorably of Director Alan Williams and Assistant Carissa Valenti.
The hiring decision comes after months of council meetings where animal advocates showed up to support of the county’s homeless pets.
“We would be spending the money one way or the other, either on overtime pay or for a part-time staff,” said Steve Willis, county administrator. “I’d rather spend it for part-time salary to prevent burnout.”
Willis said this expenditure is revenue-neutral. While it was not in this year’s budget, the money was being spent on unexpected overtime.
Director Williams told council members he has been at the shelter every single day since he was hired in mid-May.
“Any help is appreciated,” WIlliams said. “We need it.”
Willis expects the position to be posted by the first of next week. Once hired, the employee will be cleaning cages and feeding animals on weekends and holidays, and helping out at peak times.
“This was a citizen-driven initiative,” said council member Larry McCullough.
“My hat is off to them. They became aware, informed and involved. And last of all, they were willing to serve.”
The animal shelter remains under active investigation by the S.C. Law Enforcement Division since May 13, when the director was placed on administrative leave with pay. She was later fired? Lancaster County sheriff’s spokesman Doug Barfield stated at the time that the allegations did “not involve the direct health, care and welfare of any animals there.”
Williams filled in as interim director until being hired officially June 27.
Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or contact her at (803) 283-1152

10/12/16