RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — Richland County is closer to passing an update to the county's pet ordinances.
The council gave it a second reading this past Tuesday, which means that if they vote in favor of it one more time, it will become law.
Some of the main changes would include requiring animal breeders to obtain a license and pay a fee to the county. All dogs and cats would also have to be registered with the county.
A dog owner, Leslie Harris, said she had fallen victim to an unlicensed breeder.
"I kind of think that's a good idea because it's a lot of scams going around. I was even scammed before I found my dog, so in order to stop some of the scamming, I think that would be a great idea."
County Councilmember Don Weaver said these changes will help keep animals safe and stop underground neighborhood breeding operations.
"That's not fair to the residents of that neighborhood not to mention the animals themselves, so we're not trying to discourage legitimate commerce,” said Weaver. “But we want to make sure the animal welfare is considered as well."
Marilyn Kay lives in Richland County and said she would like the county council to take more action to encourage pet owners to clean up after their animals.
"I think they need to enforce the poop laws,” said Kay. “If you can’t be responsible enough to pick up your dogs poop, why do you have a dog?"
Another proposed change is that if a dog gets out and is loose in a neighborhood, it will be considered at-large and taken by animal control to the pound.
Weaver said it's important for pets to have owner identification on their pets.
"Make sure you keep your pets confined if for some reason they do happen to get loose make sure they have a collar on with your contact information,” said Weaver. “That is extremely important and then hopefully if they are picked up, then they can be brought right back to your residence. If not or if no one is there to take them, then at least when they go to the facility, they will be able to know who the owner is."
Before this ordinance is passed, it must be given a third reading. That could be done at their next meeting, which is July 16.