I’d like to gather some opinions on Animal Control in Wytheville. Recently, I was told about a situation in which the AC officer took several cats from an individual, assuring the person that these cats would go to the Humane Society and they would be found good homes. Not only was the Humane Society not called, but the cats were euthanized within a day or two of being picked up. These were not sick or otherwise unadoptable animals - they were healthy, normal cats.
I’m interested to know why those who are over the cat shelter in Wytheville don’t do more to get these cats adopted? Why not put them on the internet - Petfinder is a great resource for shelters trying to find potential adopters. Why not have adoption days?
I have also heard that there are many other people who have had bad experiences with Animal Control in Wytheville, but have had their complaints/questions ignored.
If you have had any experiences with Animal Control in Wytheville - this is a great place to put it. Maybe here we can find common ground that will help us to make the much needed change in personnel at the Animal Control office.
I’ve never had to deal with the town aco but have never seen the cat shelter open either. The County Admin is over the Wythe County Animal Shelter, not sure if he or who is over the town aco and cat shelter. There were problems with neglect and sanitation with the County shelter last fall. Are you only looking for feedback about the town aco and the cat shelter or are you asking about all aco’s for the County and town?
I haven’t contacted anyone with a complaint. I have just recently heard some of these things and was wondering what others experiences with AC have been. I know the story of Spirit - how he was left with a broken leg to suffer for several days without even having the relief of euthanasia. That falls, in my opinion, directly in the ACO’s lap.
But I understand that the same people are not responsible for the cat shelter that are responsible for the dogs.
Anyway, I don’t have first hand experience...I’ve just heard some disturbing things and would like to know if others have had problems in the past and what they’ve tried to do about them.
I did have someone just last night tell me that they recently went to the cat shelter and were told there would not be any cats to adopt till sometime in may. I thought that was very odd. I was thinking of writing a letter to the town manager to see what policy’s the cat shelter had. Does anyone else know?
Where is a cat shelter? I called a vet’s office to find a place to take a pregnant stray cat that showed up at our backdoor. When I called the number she gave me, I was told they only take dogs and do not “house” cats. The cats would almost immediately be euthanized.
It has been told to me many times that if a cat is taken to the pound it will be euthanized that same day. I’ve had cats brought to me by people who had taken their cats to the pound and were told by the shelter they would not get the same considerations as the dogs. They would be put to sleep immediately. It is my opinion that the cat shelter has not been used in as many as 20 years or more.
The Cat Shelter is operated by the Town of Wytheville while the Dog Shelter is run by the County. The times that I have been to the shelters, there almost always was someone there and if not, a sign was present notifying of their return or a number to contact. There is a sign as you enter that posts the hours of operation. The experiences that I have had with the Animal Control officers for both the Town and County have been good and positive. They have always answered my questions and anxious to show me the animals they get in, the ones that are healthy. I think there is more to the story that “Audrey” is sharing than what she knows. Just exactly what type of shape were the animals in, was there a chance to really save them or were they too far gone. I for one understand the economics of shelters and it is impractical to think that you can hang onto animals, especially the ones that are too sick to care for without causing problems with other animals in your care. The shelter is not a veterinarians office, although a lot of people think it should be. If there was concern about the health of the animals, then the owner(s) should take them to the Dr’s office and not turn them over to the shelters. The animal control officers do not have the education or training to try to keep animals healthy nor are the funds there to do so. Perhaps if there were volunteers with the time and money to assist in helping out, maybe the cats/dogs would be more attractive to be adopted to the public.
Do you know the aco over the cat shelter roadchamps? Audrey stated the cats were in good health and the owners where told they would be given to the Humane Society. I’ve heard stories about this aco from more than a few people. Do you know what the shelter’s policy is on euthanizing cats and cat adoptions? The next day seems a bit severe, not much of a chance to adopt them out then. How much does it cost to euthanize a cat and dispose of the body? I would imagine it would be about the same as for dogs. It costs $20 to dispose of a dog body after it was euthanized. Is it cheaper to euthanize or to save these animals? I’ve been around the County aco’s since the end of 2004 and do know all about the neglect and unsanitary conditions that were recently found there. As far as funds for medical care? State law requires it. Funny thing is is that I have had several people tell me they could never catch the cat shelter open and when they asked about adopting a cat they were told none would be available till sometime in May.
I’d be very interested in hearing if anyone has ever seen or adopted a cat at the shelter. I for one, have not seen the first cat ot kitten.......ever! They are euthanized immediately!
I have, two actually, for my mom. I had to pay to have them spayed and get their shots and tags. This was a few years back and not sure what procedures are now. BTW, one passed away recently, but she still has the other which is disabled but still cared for.
I called and found out the Wytheville Chief of Police is over the Cat Shelter. I also spoke to the cat shelter aco. He advised me that he gives all the adoptable cats to the Humane Society, review the stats. I asked how long cats are held before being euthanized and was told the state required 12 days if found with a collar, 7 days for strays, 4 days for feral cats. He works 8-4pm and is in office 8-9am and 2-3pm. If you know something different than this you should contact the Chief of Police. 223-3300
I was told that the Chief of Police is over the cat Shelter by the Town manager’s office. I found out it is the Operations Captain. I’m not sure if that is the same thing or not. The stats for 2007 is as follows;
Cats on hand 1/1/07= 0
Strays picked up= 130
surrendered by owners= 178
Reclaimed by owner= 4
cats given to Humane Society= 5 (Deemed adoptable)
Euthanized= 242
On hand 12/31/07= 0
Removed from highway/homes dead= 61
I was told by the operations captain that they are not required by state code to adopt any cats out at all but do have an adoption procedure. He explained that when someone calls the shelter asking about adopting a cat they are told what is on hand and that it will cost $85-$100 to have the cat spayed or neutered and they never hear back from them. I just had an adult male cat neutered for $26.00 and females would be around $40, so check around at different Vets for prices. I explained this to him as well. I mentioned telling people it will cost $100 to spay or neuter would discourage adoptions. Potential adopters are responsible for all shots and and tags for the cat. There is no adoption fee but there is a boarding fee of $2.50 a day up to $17.50. I had emailed him back with some follow up questions. Over the last 4 years only 1.5% of all strays and owner surenders where adopted or given to the Humane Society. I mentioned that the boarding fees would help supplement the expense of running the shelter as well.
View this string for future updates.
http://www.swvatoday.com/forums/viewthread/29/
