Already struggling with a shoestring budget of less than $60,000, the Barnwell County Animal Shelter has now had its budget cut by almost $10,000 more, or 18 percent.

The shelter board understands that Barnwell County is experiencing financial challenges and is willing to do its fair share of tightening its belt. However, the county budget as a whole passed with an actual increase, and the shelter’s cut was grossly disprortionate to any other cuts made.

There are nonessential areas that could have been reduced without having a major impact on any one person or department. A recent letter to the editor spoke about saving $7,000 by cutting back on cars of county employees being driven home. One elected position in our county draws a higher salary than in any other county in South Carolina. These are just two examples of many where cuts could be made without affecting essential services. Everyone should be willing to make a sacrifice, especially in regard to perks and eliminating waste.

In order to make well-informed decisions about such a large budget cut, all members of the council should visit the county shelter. In fact, all Barnwell County citizens should. Unfortunately, many people turn a blind eye to the deplorable animal situation in this county and fail to remember how improving it would also have a positive effect on the entire county and its people.

The shelter must be open seven days a week and has only one full- and one part-time employee. The job is difficult — hot and dirty and dealing with disease, death, and constant proof of man’s inhumanity. The shelter stays crowded as animals come in daily with little prospect of adoption. In June alone, 130 dogs, puppies, cats and kittens had to be euthanized. Too many people do not spay or neuter their pets, and for many, animals are considered disposable items.

The shelter board and employees and other groups are working hard to raise awareness and to improve education about pet owner responsibility and humaneness, but we desperately need volunteers who care and a council who will cut costs where the least harm will be done.

Please visit the shelter (803-259-1656) today and become informed.

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