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Animal control urges new shelter as 2024 seizure and intake stress capacity
Summary
Animal control reported high intake in 2024, described an August mass seizure of 19 hounds, and told supervisors the current shelter’s space and condition force difficult choices — staff said a new facility is necessary to meet inspections and community needs.
Animal control staff told the Board of Supervisors that shelter space and building condition are limiting the department’s ability to respond to strays, seizures and incoming animals.
“We did intake on 03/1961 animals,” the presenter said, explaining kennel configuration limits and efforts to keep floors dry to avoid dermatitis in dogs. Staff reported 250 dog intakes in 2024 (129 strays, 58 owner surrenders, 29 seized, 5 transferred in), 108 cats, and multiple other animals including a horse and a rooster from the county fair. Outcomes listed by staff included 94 dog adoptions, 77 cat adoptions, 40 dogs returned to owners, 72 dogs transferred to in-state rescues and 15 dogs transferred out of state.
Staff recounted a large August 2024 seizure of 19 hounds (three deceased at discovery) that filled the shelter in a single event. The seizure is pending trial and, at the time of the presentation, had required mutual aid from neighboring animal control agencies (Cumberland and Powhatan) to house animals and reduce crowding.
Animal control staff described repeated challenges keeping the current shelter dry after heavy rain, noted ceiling/floor wear and the need for more space to separate species and care for young animals, and said some routine maintenance (floor drying, donated floor dryers, towels, squeegees) is insufficient when outside conditions are wet.
On staffing and infrastructure, the presenter said the department added a third animal control officer in March 2024 but still needs a new shelter, newer vehicles and repairs to an APA‑donated horse trailer whose floor is rusted. Staff also described expanded partnerships with rescues — including sending beagles to out‑of‑state rescues and coordinating transport to Utah — and said donations and volunteer increases have helped operations.
Staff emphasized inspection compliance: the shelter recently had an inspection in December with no violations but can be vulnerable to failing conditions when outside wetness makes kennel floors soggy. The presenter urged board support for a capital solution: “We need a new shelter. It's not a want. We're like, we have to have a new shelter.”
Supervisors did not vote on a shelter capital project at the meeting but were told fundraising (via APA and local efforts) and grant searches are ongoing. Staff said some grants are restricted to 501(c)(3) organizations and urged county partnership with nonprofit grant applicants.
