Jennifer Miller told the Aiken Legislative Delegation that the backlog of county animal cases is affecting lives and could eventually lead to animals being unjustly euthanized.
That is why Miller, the president of Friends of the Animal Shelter, recommended that the magistrate court pick up some of the animal cases. Miller joined others at a packed delegation meeting in Wagener on Monday night.
Cases are backlogged, and dogs are stuck in their kennels for 2 to 4 months at a time. Miller said the dogs can't be walked by FOTAs volunteers because of liability issues, leaving cases prolonged for long periods of time.
"With the large number of cases, the system breaks down and now dogs lives start hanging in the balance. The lack of kennel space means dogs will have to get euthanized," she said.
Rep. Chris Corley, R-Graniteville, said he knows of animal cruelty bills coming through the legislature in the near future.
"That's something I'm going to look at this week - whether the court can see these cases and if the punishments can be strengthened," he said.
In addition, domestic violence concerns also were voiced. Corley and Rep. Bill Clyburn, D-Aiken, said there also have been discussions in the legislature about strengthening domestic violence laws.
The issue has been a recurring concern locally and across the Palmetto State.
Earlier this year, South Carolina ranked second in domestic violence, and last year the state only trailed Alaska in the number of women killed by men.
"They feel we need to do better with that in lieu of the violence we've seen in the state and country and I couldn't agree more," Clyburn said.
Other issues discussed at Monday's meeting include Edisto River concerns, same-sex marriage rights, bullying concerns and discussions on money going to more populated areas for recreation parks instead of rural areas. Clyburn added that residents believe North Augusta and Aiken get most of the county money because of population, leaving smaller towns to take bigger hits.
"I think they're right because the money rural parks are getting is almost insignificant," he said. "We're going to look at that and try to make some changes so rural areas and small towns have a fair chance of getting what they need."