Volunteer coalition asks North Augusta for microchip station, shelter improvements and ordinance updates

North Augusta, S.C. — A community animal‑shelter coalition presented a draft mission and several near‑term requests to the City Council on Nov. 17, asking for steps to improve humane care and volunteer access at the city’s animal‑control facility.

Tabitha Waldrop, speaking for the coalition, read a draft mission statement and outlined immediate requests: permission to install a microchip station at the new public‑safety building for easier pet reunification; adding a public‑safety officer to the shelter rotation or creating a city‑vetted hold‑harmless agreement to allow trained volunteers limited access during agreed hours; and short‑term facility fixes such as replacing a rear door with a window to admit natural light and installing a timer on lights so animals can have periods of darkness.

Waldrop said the coalition is reviewing consultant redline recommendations and will submit formal written requests. The coalition also asked for periodic updates on progress and said it will build a website to keep the community informed.

Mayor Britton S. Williams thanked the group and said staff would examine the requests, noting some items might be handled differently than proposed but promising follow‑up and collaboration. Staff asked the coalition to submit formal written requests for consideration.

"We plan to submit this over the next few days," Waldrop said. "We realize that Tyler has already submitted requests and we'd like to request one more because when you give us an answer we're gonna ask for a yard."