Heather Bell
RADFORD – With the Radford Animal Shelter over capacity for dogs, it is reminding citizens of the shelter policy to not take owner surrender of pets.
“We are full, we have been full consistently for a very long time,” the shelter recently posted on social media. “Our policy states that we do not take owner surrenders, but we will if we have space. So, if you decide that you are no longer wanting to keep your dog/cat or any pet for that matter, for whatever reason, please make arrangements for your pet before the cut-off point (if a landlord has given you a date for example).”
“If you call or bring your pet to the shelter and we advise you that we do not have room for it, but we can offer you other alternatives or put you on a waitlist, that is what it is,” the announcement continues. “We already have 28 dogs in a 12-kennel space. We are doing our best. It is the same across the entire country. We can offer crates, food, etcetera, to assist you while you are waiting to either rehome or surrender your pet.”
The shelter is also reminding people that dumping pets off at the shelter or any other place without prior arrangement is a crime.
“We will not tolerate you just dumping [your pet],” the announcement continues. “It does not magically increase our kennel space. We will do our utmost to find out who you are and apply the law to the fullest extent.”
Code 3.2-6504, regarding the abandonment of animal; penalty, states “No person shall abandon or dump any animal. Violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.”
“We have not euthanized an animal for space in over a decade here, and we are not about to start because owners cannot be responsible,” the shelter announcement concludes. “You, the owner, are the responsible party, not us, the shelter. We are here for other things other than being a drop space for people who did not commit to being a responsible pet owner. So, please think very carefully before obtaining an animal. It’s a 10-to-20-year commitment that you are signing up for. To those that are fabulous pet owners and responsible, we are very appreciative of you.”
The Radford Animal Shelter has many cats and dogs, and occasionally guinea pigs, rabbits, snakes and other pets, available for adoption to people who are ready to take on the commitment. The shelter is located at 110 Pulaski St, Radford.
