In an effort to make known the failing conditions at the county's consolidated animal shelter, Saving Gaffney Pets Director Mary Carpenter made a plea for help to members of Cherokee County Council during the governing body's meeting Monday.

Carpenter believes the structure is outdated and "in need of improvement and consideration."

"Honestly, the shelter is in the same condition as when I got here 26 years ago," Carpenter said.

Carpenter outlined several problems with the shelter including the facility's temperature and issues with the amount of space available.

"We had fans going at all times of day, but it did us no good. It was so bad we had cats dropping from heat exhaustion."

"New shelters have been built in surrounding counties. York has a beautiful facility and Spartanburg also has a nice building," Carpenter said. "We are making these animals suffer because we are not doing anything to help them."

Carpenter said separate rooms should be made for cats and dogs, as well as another ward for mothers and their puppies.