Okay. So here is an issue. Take a look at these photographs and tell us if you think this is in any way acceptable or legal. Virginia Code 3.2-6503 Item 3 requires the provision of adequate shelter that is properly cleaned. Adequate shelter is defined in 3.2-6500 this way: Adequate shelter means provision of and access to shelter that is suitable for the species, age, condition, size, and type of each animal; provides adequate space for each animal; is safe and protects each animal from injury, rain, sleet, snow, hail, direct sunlight, the adverse effects of heat or cold, physical suffering, and impairment of health; is properly lighted; is properly cleaned; enables each animal to be clean and dry, except when detrimental to the species; and, for dogs and cats, provides a solid surface, resting platform, pad, floormat, or similar device that is large enough for the animal to lie on in a normal manner and can be maintained in a sanitary manner. Under this chapter, shelters whose wire, grid, or slat floors: (i) permit the animals feet to pass through the openings; (ii) sag under the animals weight; or (iii) otherwise do not protect the animals feet or toes from injury are not adequate shelter. Heres the problem: an officer with the Bluefield VA town police department looked at these same photographs and apparently did not see a violation. He said the owner is making an effort to provide shelter, even to the dogs in the dog pen who have to sleep on the ground with no protection from the elements. He also said that if officers tried to enforce existing laws, the owner could simply deny that the dogs belong to him. Therefore Bluefield town PD may take no action to intervene on behalf of these animals. Could Bluefield VA residents--and residents of other jurisdictions, counties, and states help Bluefield PD understand how important this issue is to us? Their phone number is listed as 276-326-2621. Thank you.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 02:32:03 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015