Jeremy Fraser says a stray Rottweiler is causing trouble in his neighborhood just north of Orangeburg, and he wants someone to do something about it.

Fraser says the Rottweiler has attacked his yellow Lab, causing injuries to its head, and fears that perhaps the animal could harm a human in the future.

Fraser says repeated calls placed to Orangeburg County Animal Control for assistance have fallen on deaf ears and that the S.C. Department of Natural Resources has come out to the neighborhood, but failed to apprehend the dog.

That means a potentially dangerous animal is still out on the loose, Fraser said.

Fraser is not the first county resident that has complained to the T&D about animal control.

North resident Barbara Sharpe recently reported stray cats and dogs were wreaking havoc in her neighborhood, with one of the stray cats reportedly ripping off the ear of pet cat.

Concerns over animal control come as the department remains understaffed since the June 1, 2007 firing of the animal control program manager and four officers amid a probe of the shelter. They were cited for failure to properly administer euthanasia in the manner prescribed under South Carolina law. None of the employees has been charged with a crime.

The firings left the program with just two employees still on the job: one officer and a clerical assistant.

The county has also placed Orangeburg County Litter Control Manager Ben Boensch, who formerly served as the shelter director for animal control, as a temporary animal control staff officer until the shelter is fully staffed.

Orangeburg County Administrator Bill Clark said applications to fill the remaining positions are in the process of being reviewed with the expectation that new employees will be hired in January.

Prior to the firings, the shelter had five officers and a manager.

"The big part of it is that we are trying to implement the transition in one piece rather than in multiple pieces. ... We want to do it the right way and not rush into that process. We want to make sure all parties involved in the efforts are in agreement on the direction we need to take," Clark said.

Orangeburg County officials have said they have to prioritize animal control efforts due to understaffing. It handles those animals who have bitten people first, then aggressive animals and then regular strays. The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office also assists the county in picking up strays in the event of a hazardous or emergency situation.

County officials encourage residents to take it upon themselves to bring animals into animal control, which is located on Ruf Road off St. Matthews Road.

In the interim, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has completed its investigation of animal control and has issued its findings to the S.C. Attorney General's office, according to DHEC spokesman Thom Berry.

Mark Plowden, AG communications director, could not confirm the receipt of the findings last week. He said if the office did receive the DHEC report, the Attorney General's office will review the findings and then make a decision based on the review.

In the meantime, there have been ongoing discussions between the county and the Maude Schiffley Chapter of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals about the operational structure of animal control. SPCA has shared its facility with animal control for many years.

New SPCA President Rodney Tumbleston said talks between the two parties are "very much ongoing." Tumbleston is vice president of South Carolina Bank and Trust in Orangeburg.

Tumbleston assumed the presidency of the organization during the SPCA's December meeting after a year-long tenure by Dr. Ann Hurst, owner of the Edisto Pet Clinic. Hurst chose not to run for another year citing other obligations and a desire to see a more regular transition of the SPCA leadership.

Hurst said a preliminary contract with the county has been drafted, will be reviewed by the SPCA board and could be brought up at the SPCA meeting during the second week in January.

Clark said he has talked with Tumbleston on the phone about renewing talks in the coming year about how the two entities can partner.

The SPCA had previously suggested entering into a contract with the county to provide sheltering services, administration and day-to-day oversight. Under the initial proposal, the SPCA's jurisdiction would begin when the animals arrive at the shelter and the organization would oversee euthanasia procedures, which would remain under the jurisdiction of animal control.

In addition, the SPCA has also considered investing in a larger, updated facility of its own. SPCA officials have said that more than $100,000 in both public and private donations has already been committed to the new building that is projected to cost more than $1.25 million.

But Tumbleston says the creation of a separate facility will hinge on the organization's relationship with the county, as well as support from the community. He says with his financial background and community connections, he hopes to be able to create the funding framework to move the project forward.

"We all have the same mission in wanting to address animal welfare," he said.

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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