Horry County moves forward with policy to crack down on puppy mills

A plan for cracking down on puppy mills will likely be approved by Horry County leaders next month.

County Council members on Tuesday gave their second vote of support for an ordinance that is designed to help county officials better identify businesses that value profit above animal welfare.

The proposed policy would allow animal control officers to inspect breeding locations and sales operations or stores. It would also prohibit anyone from selling the animals under the age of 8 weeks and require that all the animals have inoculations by a veterinarian.

The puppy mill discussion comes after county authorities had to remove animals from three locations in March.

On March 5, 146 dogs were seized from a puppy mill at the Conway home of Pet Safari owner Renee James. James was charged with failing to provide proper care and treatment of the animals, which police say were living in deplorable conditions that included outdoor stacked cages with mesh floors.

Fined $445, James filed a restraining order and sought to get the animals back, but she later dropped the request so the animals could be adopted through the Horry County Animal Care Center.

The day after those animals were removed from James’ home, officers received a tip that led them to another Conway home where 37 dogs and two birds were removed.

In that case, Eduardo and Amber Chaviano were ordered to pay restitution to the Horry County Animal Care Center in the amount of $3,160 and were given 30 days to clean up their home.

In late March, Janie Waddel of Loris was cited for violating the county animal care and treatment ordinance, as well as the litter accumulation ordinance and the rabies policy. She was fined $1,850. Nineteen of her 37 dogs were removed from her home.

County officials have said the proposed policy would provide key definitions. For example, the ordinance states a breeder would be someone with 25 or more cats or dogs for sale in a 365-day period. Exceptions would be made for animal shelters, humane societies and other rescue organizations as well as operations regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

County Council expects to take a final vote on the small animal management ordinance on Nov. 10.

This story was originally published October 20, 2015 at 11:07 PM with the headline "Horry County moves forward with policy to crack down on puppy mills."