CONWAY, SC- In an exclusive interview with News 13, Renee James claims she didn’t know she was doing anything wrong. James was fined $445 for violating the county’s ordinance to provide proper care and treatment of animals.
When James opened Pet Safari in 2003 with her husband, she never thought she’d be there more than a decade later defending her love for animals.
“If someone knows me, they know I’m not evil,” said James.
Since the dogs were removed from her property, James said she’s received several death threats and disturbing phone calls. She said filing a motion to get the dogs back wasn’t out of spite, but rather to make a point.
“I did believe in raising dogs and selling puppies,” she said. “I do believe you can raise animals for profit and I do think I was doing a good job.”
James admits not everything was perfect. Her husband did in 2011 and she was forced to run the store and take care of the dogs herself.
“For the last 4 years I have worked 7 days a week, trying to do the best I can do,” stated James. “I was one person trying to do too much.”
She also realized it’s not feasible to house and feed 146 dogs. While her pet store remains open, James said her “heart is broken.”
She told News 13 she will never ever consider raising a dog again, but does plan to keep selling them.
People lined up early Thursday morning to adopt dogs from the Horry County Animal Care Center. Operations Manager Kelly Bonome said 30 dogs have been adopted so far. Several of the dogs still have to undergo surgery, but she expects 11 dogs to be available for adoption on Friday.
If you are interested in adopting visit the Horry County Animal Control Center at 1923 Industrial Park Rd, Conway, SC 29526 or call (843) 915-5172.
You can also visit the center’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Horry-County-Animal-Care-Center/232335916808165
