Justice for Spirit

Spirit, a 3-4 month old mix breed puppy was found on the morning of Saturday October 6, 2007 at the Wythe County Animal Shelter with a compound fracture and severe infection of the rear left leg. The shelter received the puppy in this condition on Friday October 5, 2007. Neither the previous owner nor the Wythe Co. Animal Shelter provided medical treatment to the puppy. The Animal Shelter was responsible by Virginia state code 3.1-796.68. to provide medical treatment. See pictures and read more at www.je923.com/misc/puppy.html. The puppy could have been euthanized to prevent the suffering. The Wythe County Administrator admits their fault. I want the immediate dismissal from their jobs all those responsible for the needless suffering of this puppy. He was left in a pen with his siblings and mother and could not get to food and water due to his condition and was very weak and dehydrated. If not found by an outsider would have suffered all weekend long.
3.1-796.68. Care of animals by owner; penalty.

A. Each owner shall provide for each of his companion animals:

1. Adequate feed;

2. Adequate water;

3. Adequate shelter that is properly cleaned;

4. Adequate space in the primary enclosure for the particular type of animal
depending upon its age, size, species, and weight;

5. Adequate exercise;

6. Adequate care, treatment, and transportation; and

7. Veterinary care when needed or to prevent suffering or disease
transmission.

The provisions of this section shall also apply to every pound, animal
shelter, or other releasing agency, and every foster care provider, dealer, pet
shop, exhibitor, kennel, groomer, and boarding establishment. This section
shall not require that animals used as food for other animals be euthanized.

B. Game and wildlife species shall be cared for in accordance with regulations
promulgated by the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries by January 1, 1994.

C. Violation of this section is a Class 4 misdemeanor.

(1984, c. 492, 29-213.38; 1987, c. 488; 1991, c. 348; 1993, c. 174; 1996, c.
249; 1998, c. 817; 2002, c. 787; 2003, c. 1007.)