Clemson City Council approves first reading of new protections for animals

CLEMSON, S.C. (WSPA) — Clemson City Council unanimously approved the first reading of amendments to the city’s animal cruelty ordinance on Monday.

The first amendment requires “an owner, manager, resident, or user of property, or structure where an animal is maltreated” to report the mistreatment to police.

The second amendment, which is aimed at protecting dogs, requires owners to provide shade or shelter to dogs that are kept outdoors for longer than four hours in temperatures 90 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter.

Owners must also provide shelter and bedding to dogs that are outside in temperatures 32 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.

“This is a good start,” Margaret Thompson, the founder of Clemson Paw Partners, said. “I’m glad it’s starting here in Clemson. That makes me proud.”

Dr. Hayley Jewell, a veterinarian at Magley Clemson Animal Hospital, said animals can face severe health problems if left outdoors in extreme temperatures.

“With outdoor animals, I worry very much about heat stroke,” Jewell said. “I do worry about dehydration. It does become more of a quality of life concern. With the cold weather, we do worry about freezing temperatures so we worry about animals basically freezing to death outside.”

Clemson Police Chief Jorge Campos said officers can enforce the proposed law if they see that an animal does not have shelter or if a bystander reports it.

“Our officers are really good about working with people and trying to get things within compliance before charging people,” Campos said.

The amendments must be approved in a second reading before they take effect.

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