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Animal control warns shelter capacity is critical, urges new facility
Summary
Animal Control reported 361 intakes in 2024 and outlined shelter constraints — limited dry kennel space, heat/ventilation and electrical issues, and vehicle/trailer needs — and urged the board that "we need a new shelter. It's not a want."
Amelia County’s animal control staff briefed supervisors on 2024 activity and pressing capital and operational needs.
The Animal Control Officer reported 361 total intakes in 2024, including roughly 250 dogs and 108 cats, and described outcomes: 94 dogs adopted, 72 dogs transferred in‑state, 15 dogs transferred out of state and 4 dogs/6 cats that died in the shelter. The presenter explained kennel constraints: only six runs are usable at a time to keep floors dry and limit dermatological problems. "We need a new shelter. It's not a want," the Animal Control Officer told the board.
The presenter described surge events that strain capacity (a large seizure of 19 hounds in August 2024 required doubling dogs into crates and moving cats out of the cat room), ongoing problems with the shelter floor and humidity control, and the need for improved vehicles and a stock trailer for large animals. The officer also noted volunteer and donation support, recent accreditation and inspection results, and ongoing outreach and rescue partnerships, including transports to rescues out of state.
Staff asked the board to continue exploring funding and to support grant applications and fundraising partnerships; the presentation will inform budget discussions. No formal funding decision was made at the session.
