NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. () – North Augusta city leaders are weighing whether to build, expand, or partner with nearby counties to support animals in the city.

Advocates say the current animal control facility falls short of basic standards. They want city leaders to commit to a new facility in North Augusta.

People in North Augusta say the city is falling behind on animal care.

A 20-19 consultant study recommended upgrades to the current facility.

“But we’re not seeing any progress on the animal shelter, on a need for an actual shelter,” said Tabitha Waldrop, a volunteer of Friends of North Augusta Animals.

Volunteers say dogs can go nearly 20 hours without walks on weekends due to staffing.

“It would be great if, there was a way that some autonomy could be granted to FONAA or other volunteers to come on the city property to work with those dogs throughout the weekend without the public safety officer there,” Waldrop said.

The city has made small improvements at the animal control facility, including sealing floors, controlling pests, adding fans, and repainting.

“There needs to be some ventilation improvements made to it that could be made immediately,” Waldrop said. “Maybe adding some skylights or windows in there somehow to get some natural light in for the animals. ’cause right now it’s all fluorescent lighting.”

One option includes the former public safety building. It’s currently being used for storage by public safety. Mold, asbestos, and other issues would need to be addressed.

“But I’d imagine that the best way to treat that property might be to demolish that building and just build this, more simple shelter on that same property,” Waldrop said.

Waldrop and local advocates want a modest, scalable shelter in North Augusta, modeled after Edgefield County. They say it could be funded with state grants, partnerships, and local dollars.

Friends of North Augusta Animals shared their plan during Monday night’s Power Hour, ahead of the 5:30 p.m. council meeting.