Companion Animal Management Survey (Virginia)
This study sought to understand the status of companion animal welfare in the Commonwealth of Virginia through a series of interviews with animal control agencies and nonprofit organizations. The interviews covered a range of topics including state laws and local ordinances, community outreach and education, spay/neuter services, commercial sources of companion animals, and food assistance programs. The results are supplemented with public records including data from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services showing that, in 2010, Virginians lost, abandoned, or surrendered 246,543 dogs and cats. More than 670 dogs and cats entered Virginia’s shelters each day during 2010.
[Abstract excerpted from the full report]
“This review of fifteen counties in Central Virginia was conducted to consider the current status and future challenges of companion animal management and to explore possibilities for promoting safe and humane communities. We’ll highlight the factors and foundations of humane companion animal management and examine the key elements affecting responsible and compassionate animal ownership – namely education, law enforcement, and access to pet care resources and services. Finally, we’ll review some success stories and identify opportunities, strategies, and resources available to help communities that wish to be more safe, responsible, and humane.”
“Solutions require change. Societies that succeed in advancing their moral behavior are willing to make changes. Those that resist change lag behind and their community members, both human and non-human, suffer. If you are one of the many who care about animals and their place in our society, take heed and recognize that your engagement within your community is the key. You have the power to effect change. You have the means of altering the nature of your community from one that simply suffers the consequences of unwanted, abused, and neglected animals to one that stands as a shining example of enlightened companion animal management.”