Spay clinic opens; dog park in plan

A spay/neuter clinic opened this week in Columbia County, and a dog park at the site might follow someday.

Operated by the Columbia County Humane Society, Dogwood Park started neutering and spaying cats and dogs this week but will have a formal opening from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Humane Society President Donna Evans said she hopes to start clearing land this spring for a 3-acre dog park and walking trails on the 13.7-acre lot at 6100 Columbia Road. She also wants to build a no-kill shelter capable of housing 50 cats and dogs.

"They say a society is judged by how it treats its old people and animals," Ms. Evans said. "We want our society to be judged well."

In January, Augusta officials opened an off-leash dog park at Pendleton King Park. Ms. Evans doesn't know when a similar park might open in Columbia County, but she is recruiting volunteers from Fort Gordon to start clearing underbrush.

"We want to have a 2-acre park for big dogs and a 1-acre park for small dogs, but we're having to wait until we can afford it," she said. "Clearing the land won't be so bad, but fencing is very expensive."

Though many asked her to start with a dog park, Ms. Evans said it was more important to open a low-cost spay/neuter clinic.

County Emergency and Operations Director Pam Tucker said the clinic should cut down on euthanizations performed at Animal Care and Control.

"So many animals wouldn't have to be needlessly killed if people would just spay or neuter their pets," Ms. Tucker said.

About 2,700 dogs and cats were euthanized last year by Animal Control, director Linda Fulmer said.

For information on the Dogwood Park or to set up an appointment, call (706) 541-2911.

Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115, or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com.