AIKEN --- An animal-protection group might move into larger quarters, which would free up its old building for possible expansion of the county animal shelter.

The Aiken chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals owns 10 acres on Willow Run Road, but it is still "years away" from building a new facility on the property, said Barbara Nelson, the president.

"We don't even have floor plans yet," she said.

If the SPCA moves, the county would consider buying its old building -- conveniently next door to its animal shelter on Wire Road.

The purchase would allow the county shelter to expand, which is desperately needed, County Administrator Clay Killian said.

The county's shelter takes in between 400 and 600 animals a month, said Craig McBride, an enforcement officer.

That number is about 150 more than capacity, he said, and about 80 percent have to be euthanized.

Mr. Killian said that the county has $250,000 earmarked for animal control -- either to expand its existing facility or as a down payment on the SPCA building.

Because the county years ago donated the land the SPCA's shelter is sitting on, the current value of the property likely would be deducted from the purchase price, he explained.

The SPCA built the facility.

Essentially, Mr. Killian said, the county would pay only for the building -- not the seven acres it sits on.

"The deal is, we'd get the land back," he said.

The property is sure to be pricey. Mr. Killian said an appraisal done about eight months ago puts the value -- including the land -- at more than $700,000.

SPCA board members have indicated they are willing to work with the county on a payment plan, Mr. Killian said.

"Right now, we certainly need the space," he said.

The SPCA wants enough room to increase the number of pet sterilizations it does. It spays or neuters about 1,200 animals a year, Ms. Nelson said. It would like to sterilize 6,000.

"We know it can make a difference," she said.

She said the SPCA's ultimate goal is to have a facility that:

- Has a spay and neuter clinic that can sterilize more animals

- Has an attractive adoption center to draw in more potential pet owners

- Has classroom space for education training

- Has a dog park.

The biggest goal, though, is to increase sterilizations, Ms. Nelson said.

"That is the answer," she said. "That, and education."

Reach Sandi Martin at (803) 648-1395, ext. 111, or sandi.martin@augustachronicle.com.

June is Adopt a Cat month at the SPCA, and there is a two-for-one adoption special. The group would like to have a larger facility to allow for more pet sterilizations, to lower the number of animals without homes.