Horry County Animal Care Center overcapacity after receiving over 130 animal intakes in 5 days

The Horry County Animal Care Center is well over capacity after two animal investigations have...
The Horry County Animal Care Center is well over capacity after two animal investigations have led to 130 animal intakes.(Source: HCACC)
Published: Aug. 9, 2022 at 9:10 AM EDT|Updated: Aug. 9, 2022 at 12:12 PM EDT
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CONWAY, S.C. (WMBF) – The Horry County Animal Care Center needs the community’s help after two animal investigations have left it well overcapacity.

Over the past five days, two animal investigations have led to more than 130 animal intakes.

On Thursday, 44 dogs, 13 chickens, 12 ducks, one mini horse and one goat were taken to the shelter. An incident report from that investigation found neglectful living conditions while officers were investigating a complaint about a grooming business that was accused of operating without a license.

RELATED COVERAGE | Horry County Animal Care Center closed to public to help with 2nd animal investigation in one week

Then on Monday, another investigation brought 59 dogs into the animal care center.

An incident report states that officers were called to Merrit and Fowler roads in the Conway area after receiving a call from a concerned resident who had seen a large number of dogs in the area, and were afraid they weren’t being taken care of. Officers said they found the dogs in a pen with no shelter, food or water. The HCACC said all of them were emaciated, dehydrated and neglected. Police said the investigation into the case remains active and ongoing and any possible charges have not been finalized.

The animal care center is currently caring for 270 animals total, which is well beyond the facility’s max capacity. Because of this, it has had to rent space from Tamrock Kennels to house 31 animals that are currently up for adoption.

The HCACC will remain closed through the weekend due to it being overcapacity and helping with the animal investigations.

“We are committed to fulfilling our duties as a public safety shelter—we cannot stop pursuing animal neglect cases and holding those responsible accountable for their actions,” the HCACC released in a statement. “We are committed to finding a home for every possible adoptable and treatable animal—we will not euthanize for space. To do both though, we need your support. We need animal lovers to adopt, to foster, to support the work done at the ACC day-in and day-out.”

The HCACC said surrendered animals from the animal investigation on Thursday will be available for adoption starting at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the animal care center. The adoptable surrendered animals include 38 dogs (mostly poodles), 13 chickens, 12 ducks, one mini horse and one goat.

Each animal will be medically cleared and available for adoption.

There is a small cost associated with the adoptions due to all the care that is provided to the animals upon intake.

Here are the adoption fees:

  • Small dogs - $100
  • Mini horse - $150
  • Goat - $100
  • Chickens and ducks - $10

Adoptions for general population animals that are being kept at Tamroc Kennels, located at 201 Bush Drive, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

MORE INFORMATION | Full list of adoptable pets at the HCACC

Rescues will also continue at the HCACC during this time and rescue partners should reach out to the rescue coordinator at rescue@horrycounty.org.

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