Ash County residents urge commissioners to fund new animal shelter amid violations

Ashe County's animal control facility faces imminent closure due to multiple violations from the Department of Agriculture, raising urgent concerns among community members and advocates. During a recent county commission meeting, residents highlighted critical maintenance issues that jeopardize the welfare of animals housed at the shelter. Problems include inadequate heating and cooling, broken windows, and unsafe animal enclosures, which could expose animals to disease.

Community advocates are calling for immediate action, urging county commissioners to allocate funds for architectural design plans for a new shelter. A new facility could be funded in the following fiscal year, addressing the shelter's ongoing issues and improving conditions for the animals. In 2023, the shelter housed approximately 1,044 dogs and cats, with numbers remaining high in 2024 and early 2025. Advocates argue that a new shelter would not only enhance animal care but also facilitate spaying and neutering, reducing pet overpopulation in the county.

Residents expressed frustration over the lack of progress in addressing the shelter's deficiencies, emphasizing that the current facility is not equipped to handle the needs of the animals or the staff. They urged commissioners to visit the shelter to witness the conditions firsthand and understand the pressing need for a new facility.

In addition to the call for a new shelter, suggestions were made to transition from an open admission policy to a managed admission system. This change would allow staff to better manage incoming animals and reduce the number of euthanizations, while still responding to emergencies and taking in strays.

The meeting underscored the community's commitment to improving animal welfare in Ashe County. Advocates are hopeful that the county commissioners will prioritize the shelter's needs in upcoming budget discussions, recognizing that the treatment of animals reflects the values of the community.