In January of 2007, I saw an advertisement about a large-scale bird breeding facility that was going to hold an absolute auction due to the poor health of the owner.  The advertisements in trade magazines declared the birds were “proven money-makers,” enraging many groups dedicated to the welfare of companion birds.  Because of our proximity [...]

Note:  Since this column is about an individual dog, you may think he has died.  Let me assure you he is alive and well, but I want to share lessons we can learn from him. Almost six years ago, some people brought a very young Chihuahua puppy to the shelter.  He had a serious wound [...]

In 1984, the Danville Area Humane Society began operating the animal shelter when a contract with the City was signed.  Twenty-six years and over 100,000 shelter animals later, we declare the same truth that we always have – spaying and neutering is the only way to stop the pet overpopulation crisis. Since 1993, we have [...]

The 2010 legislative session in Virginia was a rather unusual one for animal issues.  It resulted in some strengthening of animal protection, and also led to the formation of a new group that will protect animals in the Commonwealth and provide a voice for open-access shelters. The penalty for a violation of the minimum standards [...]

Life can be predictable. When the temperatures rise, we know that we are going to receive a lot of calls about pets that have been left in parked cars, as well as dogs that are chained outside with no shade and no water. Situations like this can quickly lead to heat stress or heat strokes. [...]

This past week, a large white rabbit was placed in our drop-off cage with a note that said that he had been found at a dumpster in the county. We assume that he was abandoned there, although he could have just wandered to the dumpster. Some people who purchase rabbits, ducks, guinea pigs, and other [...]