County Animal Shelters Seek New Facilities Amid Overcrowding

The White County Animal Shelter is operating beyond capacity, housing 35 to 40 dogs in only 32 pens. Manager Brooke Childress said the shelter needs a larger building and a more visible location, suggesting a move to the county recreation facility on Highway 70 to improve community involvement. She highlighted the need for increased spay‑neuter efforts and continued cooperation with local law enforcement and volunteers.

In Prince Edward County, Virginia, officials are moving forward with plans for a new shelter that would more than double the current capacity for dogs and cats. The proposed 4,200‑square‑foot facility would replace the existing 1,000‑square‑foot shelter, separating intake, offices, and veterinary areas. County leaders, including Assistant County Administrator Sarah Puckett and Chief Animal Control Officer Adam Mumma, anticipate the project will cost between $5 million and $5.5 million and hope the new site near local businesses will increase public visibility and access.