County agrees to hire vet to euthanize dogs

A group of local animal rights activists weren't able to rescue any dogs from death row, but they have done the next best thing - ensure the euthanizations at the Cherokee County animal shelter are performed humanely and in accordance with state law.

The activists convinced Cherokee County Council on Monday to prohibit the animal control officers from performing intracardial injections, more commonly known as "heart sticks." If done improperly, the needle punctures the lung before penetrating the animal's heart, the activists said.

Council agreed to hire a veterinarian to do the injections until the public works committee determines if the county is in compliance with South Carolina euthanasia laws.

The activists contend the county is not.

Libby Swad, an official with the now defunct Cherokee County Humane Society, said state law requires the animal to be sedated before the euthanization. Swad said invoices reveal the county purchased euthanasia solutions but no tranquilizers from a local veterinarian.

Swad claimed the animal control officers are guilty of misdemeanors for allegedly killing the animals without tranquilizing them at the shelter.

Swad also said a complaint has been filed with the South Carolina Attorney General's Office over the alleged wrongdoing at the animal shelter. Attempts to reach the Attorney General's Office on Tuesday to confirm the complaint were unsuccessful.

The activists also claimed the animal control officers weren't licensed to perform the intracardial procedure. But Cherokee County Interim Administrator Ben Clary said two of the county's three animal control officers have received training and are certified to do "heart sticks."

Clary refused further comment because of a potential investigation by state authorities.

Council approved a motion to call an emergency meeting of the public works committee on Thursday at 3 p.m. to determine if the county is in compliance with state euthanasia laws.

Councilman Bailey Humphries, who chairs the committee, claims the county will take immediate action to "get into compliance" with state law.

"The meeting is to find out what we need to do to get into compliance," he said.