Charleston Animal Society Seeks “Full and Fair” Contractual Funding from County Council

Press Release

Charleston Animal Society this week notified Charleston County that it has defaulted on the current vendor contract for the humane disposition of animals from the County. The Animal Society has demonstrated persistent willingness to reach an amicable resolution with the County. However, the Animal Society has indicated that any such resolution would require a new agreement between the parties negotiated in good faith.

The Animal Society has repeatedly attempted to establish a contract amount with Charleston County for services rendered that is fundamentally fair and by which the Animal Society may continue to operate and service the needs of the County. The funding currently offered, which is approximately 20% of the Animal Society’s annual budget, only supports a short window of time for the housing of animals—approximately up to 2 weeks—as required by state law.

“The lack of adequate funding and resources is problematic as it puts those animals on track to be euthanized regardless of the animal’s fitness to be saved, which contradicts the language and spirit of the vendor agreement between Charleston County and the Animal Society for the humane disposition of animals,” said Joe Elmore, CAWA, CFRE, President and CEO of Charleston Animal Society.

Since 2005, Animal Society donors have paid approximately $40 million for the sheltering, lifesaving care, and appropriate disposition of over 150,000 animals in need. And yet, the Animal Society received only about half of that from county funding, which is not sustainable to the long-term, mutually beneficial goals of every party involved.

“Our mission has always been to prevent the cruelty of animals and, as part of that, we work closely with local government and law enforcement agencies to not only prevent abuse and mistreatment, but we also fund millions of dollars’ worth of community spay and neuter efforts to mitigate the impact of overpopulation,” Elmore continued. “Our efforts have prevented the need for additional animal shelters to be built, saving the community tens of millions of dollars but unfortunately, we have long been underfunded by the county when it comes to the humane, contractual services we provide that are necessary to supporting public health and safety.”

Furthermore, the significant shortfall of funding as part of the government’s sheltering obligation through the Animal Society is perennially recognized as a risk to the nonprofit organization by its auditors, forcing the Animal Society to leverage reserves, donations, and grants to try and make up for the severe shortfall.

“By being forced to make up this multi-million dollar shortfall each year, Animal Society donors, who are already paying county taxes meant to support organizations like the Animal Society, are now carrying twice the burden,” said Elmore.

Elmore did praise the Town of Mt. Pleasant for its support and also acknowledged the City of North Charleston for their help to offset some of the financial burden.

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