May 22, 2025

Charleston County Reviews Animal Welfare Ordinances

News Summary

Charleston County officials are assessing local animal welfare laws following a welfare check on 25 dogs in Johns Island. While the dogs appeared healthy, concerns about their living conditions prompted discussions for stronger regulations. Council member Joe Boykin underscores the need for laws that protect healthy animals at risk of distress. The county aims to improve its ordinances to prevent similar situations. In other news, preparations for hurricane season and updates on the Charleston Police Department’s juvenile curfew proposal are also relevant to the community.

Charleston, SC – Officials in Charleston County are currently reviewing and aiming to strengthen local animal welfare ordinances following a recent welfare check on dogs at a property in Johns Island. The investigation was initiated after allegations surfaced regarding the living conditions of the animals.

On May 15, deputies conducted an animal welfare check and were able to locate approximately 25 dogs housed in 15 kennels of various sizes and breeds. Initially, concerns were raised regarding the welfare of the dogs, but the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office reported that all animals appeared to be in stable health and had access to clean water and adequately maintained living conditions. A professional assessment conducted using the Purina Body Condition Scoring System indicated all dogs scored between 4 and 5, suggesting they were in good physical condition.

Observations made during the inspection highlighted the dogs’ happy demeanor as they interacted with their owner, displaying excitement and contentment. Despite these positive findings, the sheriff’s office determined that the kennels were unsuitable for outdoor use. As a result, animal control deputies intervened to assist in finding more appropriate living arrangements for several dogs, while the owner voluntarily relocated the remaining animals to suitable homes.

Concerns regarding animal welfare ordinances have been emphasized by Charleston County Council member Joe Boykin, who noted that there seems to be a significant gap in local laws addressing the welfare of healthy animals that may not appear to be in distress. He suggested that if the circumstances at the property had persisted, it could potentially lead to distress among the dogs. The need for a comprehensive review of existing animal welfare regulations is now under scrutiny to prevent similar situations in the future.

In other news impacting the community, emergency management officials are advising residents to start preparations for the 2025 hurricane season, urging them to be proactive in their safety measures. Meanwhile, H. Alexander Rich has been appointed the new CEO of the Gibbes Museum of Art, taking over from Angela Mack in October. Additionally, the Charleston Police Department is contemplating the introduction of a curfew for unsupervised juveniles in the entertainment district to combat increasing violent crime rates.

In education, the Charleston County School Board has approved a new budget that will raise teacher salaries by $4,000, bringing the starting salary for new teachers to nearly $65,000. Alongside this, a Ride of Silence event is scheduled to take place in downtown Charleston to honor individuals killed in pedestrian-related accidents.

Charleston County schools are also evaluating their next steps after concluding a pilot program that incentivized student attendance with $25 weekly payments. As the peak beach season approaches, a new guide on beach parking highlights the expected increase in demand for local beach access. Finally, the upcoming Spoleto Festival will showcase two operas, “Thaïs” and “The Turn of the Screw,” with performances beginning on May 23. There is also a proposal by the Orange Hill investment group seeking a 10-year development contract with Charleston County for a golf course project, which includes potential incentives related to zoning and fees.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.