Our Story
We are dedicated to elevating animal welfare across South Carolina through policy advocacy, community collaboration and grassroots action.
South Carolina currently ranks 40th in the nation for the strength of its animal protection laws, according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund. We believe our state can do better.
SCAWA is working at both the state and local level to strengthen protections for companion animals — from improving county and municipal ordinances to advocating for statewide reforms like Riley’s Act.
But lasting change requires people willing to get involved.
Join SCAWA to learn how to advocate in your own community, attend local council meetings, receive research and talking points from our team, and help build support for stronger animal welfare policies across South Carolina.
You don't need to be a lawyer, animal welfare professional or experienced advocate to make a difference.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply show up.
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Local advocacy can result in quicker results for county and town ordinances. These grassroots efforts will help mobilize hundreds of community members across the state to participate in local council meetings.
The Impact of Advocacy
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New state legislation will be introduced next year and we need STATEWIDE advocacy and support
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With this new bill, you can expect better definitions of shelter, adequate care, humane tethering, coupled with harsher punishments for those that commit animal cruelty, including access to a statewide database.
How SCAWA Creates Change
Changing animal welfare policy takes more than raising awareness.
SCAWA researches existing laws and ordinances, identifies gaps, studies successful policies in other communities and develops practical recommendations that local and state leaders can consider.
We believe the most lasting progress happens through collaboration.
Identify the Gap
We review laws and ordinances to identify areas where animals may lack clear protections.
Research the Solution
We compare policies across South Carolina and other states to identify practical, proven approaches.
Work with Community Leaders
We engage elected officials, animal control, law enforcement, shelters, rescues and community stakeholders.
Mobilize Advocates
We help citizens understand the issue, contact their representatives and participate effectively in the public process.
Attend Council Meetings
SCAWA can help identify local issues and provide talking points, research and guidance so you feel prepared to advocate effectively. Whether you speak during public comment or simply show up in support, your presence matters.
Create Lasting Change
We advocate for reasonable policies that protect animals and can be effectively enforced.
Our Community Pledge
At SCAWA, we believe meaningful change happens when advocates, shelters, rescues, law enforcement, elected officials, animal control officers, and community members are willing to work together, even when we do not agree on every issue.
Our goal is to collaborate with local officials, not work against them. We want to sit down with county councils, city councils, law enforcement agencies, animal control departments, shelters, and rescues and ask:
What is working? What isn't working? And what can we realistically improve together?
The Community Pledge is our commitment to pursue those goals in a way that is truthful, lawful, humane, respectful, and collaborative.
Before we post, speak, or act, we encourage everyone in the SCAWA community to ask four simple questions:
Is it true? Is it lawful? Is it humane? Is it respectful?
If we keep those principles at the center of our work, we can build something much bigger than any single ordinance or campaign.
We can build relationships. We can build trust.
And, one practical step at a time, we can create lasting change for animals across South Carolina.
