County takes first step toward no-kill shelter policy

Critics of the Chesterfield County Animal Shelter think the county board “took a step in the right direction” earlier this month when it adopted a resolution in favor of expanding spaying and neutering requirements and not euthanizing healthy pets. But they didn’t get a few measures they say would hasten the way for the county animal shelter to reach its goal of a “no-kill policy.”

“The resolution was a little weak, but we’re taking what we got,” said resident Bob Herndon. “I gave [Matoaca Supervisor] Marleen [Durfee] a draft with stronger language. We are happy to have the support of [Clover Hill Supervisor] Art Warren.”

Supporters of change wanted the shelter to stay open later so citizens would be able to come by after work for adoptions. They also feel the shelter is not reaching out to enough rescue organizations to prevent healthy pets from being euthanized.

“The shelter kills about 20 dogs a week but doesn’t seem to utilize its space to prevent that,” added Herndon. “One week, I saw 70 empty cages.”

The resolution also did not support naming a committee of citizens to work with shelter personnel to increase the number of volunteers and adoptions. Chesterfield frequently establishes committees and appoints interested members to them for resolving problems.

The resolution also did not name the Richmond SPCA and the Richmond Animal League, which volunteered their efforts to achieve a no-kill policy and procedures as soon as possible.

The resolution did point out the progress the shelter has made and reaffirmed the goal of a no-kill policy, which allows animals to be euthanized if they are sick, too aggressive or seriously injured. It called for developing “a strategic plan and partnership process” to define what a healthy animal is.

The resolution also said “it is the intent” for the county “to expand the availability of spay and neuter services for all healthy companion animals prior to the release from the animal shelter.”

Several citizens called for mandatory sterilization before adoption, like Richmond and Henrico County do, to reduce the number of animals coming back to the shelter. Currently, those who adopt animals sign a pledge to have the procedure done.

The board’s resolution calls for County Administrator Jay Stegmaier “to expedite efforts to reach the goals…” set by the supervisors.