State inspectors cite Norfolk’s animal shelter
Letter sent to city outlines violations of veterinary standards
The state found Norfolk’s animal shelter in violation of veterinary care and infectious disease rules, according to a letter sent to city officials July 7.
During a June 22 inspection of the Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center on Sabre Road, the state’s Office of Veterinary Services inspectors found the shelter was not providing “adequate and appropriate veterinary care” for sheltered animals. The inspection cited the city for two violations.
Norfolk city officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Daphna Nachminovitch, a senior vice president with Norfolkbased People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said she thinks the city’s “no-kill” policy is to blame for the violations. She said the policy has been known to cause overcrowding and can lead to inadequate veterinary care, the spread of disease and a lack of oversight.
“Norfolk’s animals and taxpayers depend on our city shelter to serve as a safe haven during this especially busy time,” Nachminovitch said. “We hope these citations are a wakeup call for our city officials.”
Inspectors found an animal in the shelter that had been limping for a week and another that had been dragging its back legs for several days. Neither had received veterinary care, in violation of state rules. Shelters are required to provide veterinary care within 24 to 48 hours for animals that are limping or have a lack of appetite, the inspection letter said.
The inspection also cited the shelter for failing to isolate animals with a suspected infectious disease. Inspectors found cats being co-housed in isolation rooms meant for only one animal, the report said. The state report also said animals placed in isolation rooms were not taken to a veterinarian within the 24-hour time frame required.
The shelter was administering drugs to animals with suspected communicable diseases without the written authorization from a veterinarian, another violation, according to the report.
If the shelter fails to take action to fix those problems, enforcement actions, including potential civil penalties could result, the inspection letter said. The city is required to submit a written response on how it plans to comply.
The facility is a “no-kill” shelter, meaning more than 90% of the animals brought to the shelter are saved instead of being euthanized. It cares for 400 to 600 animals each month, and over 5,000 animals per year, according to its website.