Anderson County is leading the way in ahimal welfare laws, and now the rest of the state is looking for solutions.
South Carolina state leaders are working to find different ways to make animal welfare a priority in the upcoming legislative session.
A South Carolina Senate select subcommittee is traveling the state to receive input from concerned citizens and animal welfare leaders on what can be done to toughen up animal welfare laws.
“I think if we tie the animal to some human in some responsible way,” Palmetto Animal Services founder Joya DiStefano said. "We can build from there.”
DiStefano advocated at a meeting last week that perhaps one of the best plans is to require micro chipping in all pets.
“The way that cars are registered and have a VIN number or abandon your car or get in an accident and just walk away from it,” DiStefano said.
The subcommittee held its first listening session in Greenville on Sept. 23. Others are scheduled for Florence and Charleston.
“I'm very committed to making sure that animals have the best chance at a good life regardless of the socioeconomic status of their owners,” DiStefano said.