The stray and abandoned animals of Barnwell County now have revised policies and procedures for their care.
The Barnwell County Council approved revisions which omit fees paid by municipalities. The action was taken during their August 10 meeting.
The revisions were requested by the Barnwell County Animal Shelter Board last year. The shelter board provides assistance to county employees who work at the shelter as well as the animals who are housed there.
The policy states how, where and what the minimum time an animal should be kept at the shelter.
Currently, animals picked up by animal control officers are to be kept a minimum of five business days. There are exceptions such as it being medically necessary for the animal to be euthanized due to sickness or injuries.
Also, an animal that is surrendered by its owner that is deemed not suitable for adoption may also be euthanized before the five day period.
The policy also states that an animal does not have to be euthanized solely because it has been at the shelter for more than five days.
The policy establishes guidelines for incoming animals, which includes how the animal was brought into the shelter - by the owner or an animal control officer among other identifying factors.
The revisions establish owner surrender and adoption fees.
The municipal fees, which were removed, would have charged municipalities for each dog they send to the county shelter.
The adoption fee continues to be $65. County residents who surrender an animal to the shelter will not have to pay a fee but non-county residents will be charged a fee of $50 per animal as space is available.