The Patrick County Public Animal Shelter is filled to capacity with dogs that were turned in by well-meaning people, according to Murphy Brown, of the PAWS organization.
Brown said a large part of the shelter of the overflow problem is two-fold.
It is partly due to the fact that pet owners don’t always think to call the shelter when their pet is missing, she said, adding the larger issue is that many seem to believe there is a leash law in the county.
“The leash law is only in the town,” Brown said, adding that sadly, well-intentioned people may either pick up a wandering dog and take it to the shelter or summon animal control officials to get the animal.
Either way, the result is much the same. The dog is separated from its family, and it is in peril of not being claimed, she said.
“Dogs wander. It is their nature,” Brown said. “So, if you see a dog along the road, please leave it alone unless it is in obvious need of help. Unless they have or are being a problem, or are obviously hungry or in need of help, please don’t call the Animal Control Officer, because doing so could be their demise. Give them time to go home.”
She added that “the shelter is overflowing right now with innocent dogs turned in for no fault of their own. When the shelter is full, it means the end for somebody’s dog. If your dog doesn’t come home, please always call the shelter immediately.”
There are plenty of dogs waiting to be reclaimed or adopted by a new family.
Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, adoption fees are $10. Spay/neuter is required by law. An appointment for surgery is made when the animal is adopted, and shelter workers take the dog to the veterinarian. It may be picked up at the shelter or at the veterinarian’s office following the procedure. The basic package is paid for those who adopt.
A similar donation is available for cats via Clover Cat Rescue.
View available animals at www.facebook.com/PatrickCountyAnimalPound, or call the Patrick County Public Animal Shelter (PCPAS) at (276) 694-6259.
(See inside for our weekly Pets of the Week, which features some of the available dogs.)
