GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) – With euthanasia rates rising in Greenville County, stakeholders are calling on council members to pass changes to address the rising number of animal deaths.

“It’s just devastating because most of them don’t make it… (inaudible tears)… I’m sorry,” a speaker said during Greenville County’s public forum Monday night.

The emotional statement was made amidst a sea of ​​red T-shirts that filled the room.

“The last time animal rights activists approached the council for help about ten years ago, they wore red shirts,” said animal rights activist Barbara Wally.

The shirts feature pictures of animals that did not make it out of the district animal shelter.

“We want to make it clear that we have an absolute crisis in Greenville County,” Wally continued.

Since FOX Carolina first reported that Greenville Animal Care would no longer be considered a no-kill shelter in 2023 due to a 16% euthanasia rate, the county has changed the wording of its donation page. Two weeks ago, it said, “Donations to the Second Chance Fund directly save the lives of homeless animals and make it possible to make Greenville County a no-kill community.” Now it says, “Our innovative programs and partnerships are steadily moving Greenville County toward becoming a no-kill community.”

County Council Vice Chair Liz Seman said there was never any attempt to mislead the public by claiming on its fundraising page that it was a no-kill animal shelter.

“I think the challenge was simply that we couldn’t maintain that level consistently, but that was always the goal,” Seman said.

For a shelter to be considered a no-kill shelter, the euthanasia rate must be under 10%. While advocates welcome the wording change, they said they would like to see more effort in the county.

“I believe that people who abandon or dump dogs are not being held sufficiently accountable at this time,” says animal rights activist Tyler Cole.

Advocates want changes to reduce the flow of dogs into shelters. They are calling on officials to provide financial support, such as vouchers, for people who struggle to care for their pets; transportation for people who rely on shelter services; incentives for landlords who allow their owners to keep large dogs; and more transparent requests for public assistance.

“Give the shelter more leeway to post on social media so they can post help immediately when needed and get help exactly when they need it,” Wally said.

Seman said it’s possible. “I think it seems pretty easy to do,” she added.

Advocates are also calling on the community to open their hearts and take in dogs like Duo and Rochelle, who Toni Thompson cared for. Memories are the source of their call to action.

“Caring for a dog can do a number of things and really helps reduce euthanasia rates,” Thompson said.

Click here to learn more about ways you can support Greenville Animal Care. Cole also raised $10 for Pawsitive Change on the 10th to help dogs in need in the Upstate.

Read more: Animal rights activists in northern state push for change as euthanasia rates rise

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