Chesterfield County Council members heard concerns Wednesday from animal rescue groups and residents about the county shelter. Shelter workers are accused of shooting as many as 22 animals last month.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shootings. Four employees were placed on administrative leave.

Wednesday morning, about a dozen people addressed the council, including Deborah Farhe. She found the bodies of the dogs buried at a landfill near the shelter. Farhe works independently to help rescue animals and volunteers at the Chesterfield County animal shelter. She told council she's willing to help and there are dozens of other rescue groups that are also available to assist.

Several people traveled long distances to talk with council. They asked council to provide more funding and staffing for the shelter. The shelter takes in anywhere from 3,600 to 4,000 animals a year. Officials say the shelter's yearly budget is less than $200,000.

Residents also asked council to enact spay and neuter laws that mandate dog and cat owners to spay and neuter the animals, unless they have a license to breed. According to SC Statute 47-3-20, the governing body of each county or municipality in this State may enact an ordinances and promulgate regulations for the care and control of dogs, cats, and other animals and to prescribe penalties for violations.

Animal lovers criticized the shelter facility calling it a trash dump. They urged council to build a shelter that's decent and can accommodate the animals. Council didn't respond to the concerns, but did say they will take them into consideration.

What actions do you think Chesterfield County should take to protect unwanted pets?