Program to help struggling owners feed their pets

If you can't afford pet food, you may qualify for help under a new program at the Charleston Animal Society designed to keep canines and felines at home with their owners.

The Lowcountry Pet Food Bank will distribute donations of dog and cat food starting at 10 a.m. Saturday. The program is geared toward people on government assistance, but all comers will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, officials said.

"I want to take off the table any problem with somebody feeding their animal," said Charles Karesh, president of the animal society board of directors.

The free food will help both the crowded animal shelter on Remount Road and pet owners. Reducing the number of animals turned in at the shelter for economic reasons is a goal, he said. Applicants for free pet food can receive up to a month's supply per animal or no more than 50 pounds per family. Karesh said that Social Security, unemployment and the Women, Infants and Children program are examples of the sorts of government assistance that would qualify a person for free pet food.

The city of North Charleston, the Charleston Aviation Authority and businesses including J. Henry Stuhr Inc. and Modulant Inc. have either held pet food drives or will collect food for the pet food bank, Karesh said. Pet food will be distributed from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays. "We've got a lot of food now. I think there's a big need out there. We need more help from people," he said. Karesh said he is looking for more corporate sponsors.

The Charleston Animal Society will hold a press conference this morning to announce the program. "With millions of Americans pinching pennies, sometimes it is the family pet that must be sacrificed so that a family can survive," the animal society said.

Applicants for free pet food should bring proof that they are on government assistance and that they reside in Charleston County. If the animal

is not sterilized, the animal society will discuss making arrangements with the owner for free pet surgery to reduce overpopulation, Karesh said.

Kay Hyman, animal society director of outreach and communications, said she has seen a "tremendous increase" in animals surrendered for economic reasons, but exact numbers were not available. During the first six months of this year, the shelter euthanized 2,855 animals. In 2007, it euthanized 6,537 animals. The new shelter on Remount Road, which can hold up to 300 animals, is usually full. Overcrowding is unhealthy for animals because it can lead to disease spreading more readily from sick to healthy animals.

Pet Helpers Adoption Center on Folly Road also offers free pet food to those in need. "If you walk in and you need food we will share with you what you need," said Carol Linville, president and founder of the organization. The center welcomes donations, she said. The Lowcountry Food Bank distributes pet food it receives to participating agencies. U.S. Department of Agriculture qualification guidelines may apply, officials said.