Animal advocates protest over Wythe Co. pound concerns

6:15 p.m.

Picketers and pooches packed the parking lot outside a Wythe County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday.  They are upset because of what they call a lack of transparency at the county's shelter.

"Open up those lines of communication and help get these poor animals homes," said Bill Marshall, an animal rights activist.

Danny McDaniel, Chairman of the county's Board of Supervisors, says it's not that easy, although the county this year has ramped up their social media efforts to advertise adoptable pets.

"I can't tell you that anyone enjoys putting a dog down, but it seems like until owners accept responsibility of spaying and neutering, we're going to have a surplus of dogs," said McDaniel.

While the dogs could not go in and speak to supervisors, their owners, and a handful of protesters did.

Some want the current animal control officer replaced, and the focus back on community volunteers.

"Walking the dogs, give them exercise, transportation if we can work some legal way of doing that," said Laurie Bennett, an animal rights activist.

"We're taxpayers, we don't want to see the county have to spend more money. Let volunteers go in there.  There's a groundswell of people who would be more than willing to volunteer," said Marisa Osborn, and animal rights activist.

Supervisors have responded to recent concerns by extending hours, hiring part-time help, allowing volunteers to sign up, and implementing policy that no animal will be euthanized on the day after a holiday.

"I can't change what happened in the past, but I can move forward," said McDaniel.

While McDaniel would not address the personnel issue involving the animal control officer, his attitude about volunteers is one animal advocates hope gives their pets a new leash on life.

New hours at the Wythe County Animal Shelter:

• Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  3 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.  3 p.m.-5 p.m.

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11:05 a.m.

From Ken Heineck, WSLS reporter in the field

Around 40 people showed up this morning (Tuesday) to the Wythe County Board of Supervisors meeting, to protest the Wythe County Animal Shelter.

The protest followed a controversy that sparked last week, when a couple claimed they tried to adopt multiple dogs that were set to be euthanized, but were not able to.

The protesters called for a 'no-kill' shelter to be built, along with changes to be made at the county animal shelter.

The meeting is ongoing.  I'll have more updates as I get them, and a full report tonight on WSLS at 5:30 p.m.