HORRY COUNTY, SC (WBTW) – “Target Zero” is a consulting group that aims to lower euthanasia rates at animal shelters around the country. The group presented to Horry County Council in May, but decisions of if the group will come have not been made.
Karen McGranahan reached out to Target Zero because she says too many healthy animals are being killed at the Horry County Animal Care Center.
“Our animal welfare system here in Horry County is broken,” said McGranahan.
McGranahan said Target Zero would send consultants to Horry County to look at how the shelter is run. They would make suggestions, make a plan for the shelter and help them apply for grants, and there would be no cost to the county or taxpayers. She presented the idea to Horry County Council twice in the last year but was rejected both times.
“When we asked them why you would reject a free offer where a team of professionals would come in as a bunch of consultants to mentor you for up to three years at no cost to the county, no charges for consultation fees, no charges for travel, no charges for room and board,” said McGranahan. “Why would you turn that down? And the answer always comes back: ‘we’re different.’” But McGranahan says she no longer accepts that answer from county council.
“We believe that’s an excuse they’re hiding behind because they really don’t want to do the work that is required to actually help the animals,” added McGranahan. “Every tax payer should be concerned about this because it’s costing somewhere around a million dollars every year for that shelter to operate.”
However, Horry County Council did let Target Zero do a presentation in May via video chat. McGranahan and Target Zero are still waiting to hear if the offer will be accepted.
Kelly Bonome, the Operations Manager at the Horry County Animal Care Center said shelter members had a meeting about the consulting group, but the decision is up to county council.
“That definitely is in their hands,” said Bonome. “They’ve got the information and it looked pretty good but it’s a mater of what they decide is in the best interest.”
News 13 reached out to Horry County Council Chairman, Mark Lazarus, but has not heard back. However, county spokesperson, Lisa Bourcier, sent News 13 the minutes from that meeting in May. She says items like this are usually vetted in committee meetings before being voted on by full council.
You can count on News 13 to keep you updated on this story.
