Lexington County program reducing animal euthanasia shutters. What’s next?
Without adequate funding, a Midlands organizations dedicated to reducing animal shelter overcrowding and euthanasia has discontinued a popular voucher program for pet owners in Lexington County.
Animal Mission, a nonprofit founded in 1991 to serve Richland and Lexington counties, said it stopped a donation-funded spay and neuter program after it did not receive enough financial support. The program helped people access affordable spay and neuter services by providing vouchers for more than 30 veterinarians in the region.
The organization said it is a proven strategy to reduce unwanted litters and relieves pressure on municipal shelters. Animal Mission “saw no shortage of demand” for the vouchers in Lexington County, where it aided more than 4,700 pets since 2022.
But it was sustained entirely by public donations, and does not receive any money from the government. Now, it doesn’t have the cash flow to keep going.
“There’s an affordability and accessibility crisis in our state for spay and neuter services, and it’s unfortunately hitting our municipal shelters in heartbreaking ways,” Jen Coody, executive director of Animal Mission, said in a news release. “Serious investment in spay and neuter saves more dollars and lives down the road than trying to adopt or rescue our way out of this overpopulation emergency.”
Coody said that when pet sterilization is affordable and accessible, it prevents euthanasia in overcrowded government shelters.
“It’s important for the public to recognize the efforts being made to support our community, especially those who receive vouchers and are truly in need,” Brittany Jones, Director of Lexington County Animal Services, said in a news release. “We are grateful for the continued support from Animal Mission and remain committed to finding ways to support their efforts as we work together to serve our community.”
Lexington County Animal Services has limited capacity, The State reported, and is in urgent need of pet fostering and adoption. As of last week, dozens of dogs were at risk for euthanasia.
Animal Mission estimates that an annual $85,000 is needed to restart the Lexington County program, and a permanent, unlimited program would require about $185,000 each year. The nonprofit is looking for foundation corporate, grant, and major donor support to restart the Lexington County program.
The Richland County spay and neuter voucher program remains fully operational.
