Stafford County's Animal Shelter is facing a dire situation as it grapples with an unprecedented number of dogs in its care. Animal Captain Joe Bice revealed that the shelter has far exceeded its capacity.
"Last year, we adopted or transferred 583 dogs, with an average stay of 21 days in the shelter," stated Bice. "However, we've been over adoption capacity for most of 2023 and 2024."
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The Prince William County Animal Shelter has issued a vital warning to residents and visitors of Dumfries following the confirmation of a rabid cat sighting in the area. The grey male cat, found near 17440 Fraley Boulevard, has tested positive for rabies, prompting urgent action from health officials.
Individuals who were in the vicinity of 17440 Fraley Blvd. in Dumfries between February 1st and February 12th are urged to exercise caution if they come into contact with the infected cat. Immediate action is necessary to prevent the spread of rabies and ensure proper medical evaluation and treatment if needed.
Rabies, a potentially fatal viral disease, remains a concern across the U.S., with approximately 55,000 people exposed to the virus each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While human fatalities are rare, the disease poses a serious threat if left untreated.
Residents and visitors who believe they may have been exposed to the rabid cat are encouraged to contact the Prince William County Animal Shelter by calling 703-792-6465 or via email at [email protected].
In light of this incident, health officials emphasize the importance of preventive measures against rabies. Vaccination of pets, including cats and dogs, is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of transmission. Additionally, individuals are advised to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and seek medical attention promptly in the event of an animal bite or scratch.
Fortunately, it was later determined that the lone occupant was not present at the time of the fire, thus no injuries were reported.
Efforts to combat the blaze resulted in the rescue of two dogs. A cat succumbed to its injuries. The residence suffered significant damage, rendering it uninhabitable, as deemed by the Building Official. The American Red Cross has stepped in to aid the victim.
An investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office identified the cause of the fire as an electrical failure in an area between the basement and the first floor.
In an exclusive follow-up to a story brought to you last month, new information has emerged regarding the case of a dog injured after being struck with a projectile.
According to Prince William police spokeswoman Renee Carr, after consultation with Animal Services, it has been determined that the dog is recuperating well and does not require extensive treatment, as once thought.
Reports from the county’s Animal Services indicate that the dog, whose name remains unknown, is continuing to progress in its recovery. Currently, efforts are underway to evaluate options for placing the dog with a suitable rescue organization or for adoption. Despite diligent efforts, neither the owner nor the dog’s identity has been established.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, January 13, at 8:30 a.m., when officers responded to a distress call in the 1500 block of Cherry Hill Road in Dumfries.
A concerned resident had discovered the dog, an American Bully estimated to be between one to three years old, with injuries consistent with being struck by a projectile. Prompt action was taken, and the injured animal was taken to a veterinarian for urgent medical attention.
While the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, the focus now shifts to ensuring the continued well-being of the dog and finding a suitable placement where it can receive the care and attention it deserves.
Updated 7:30 a.m. Feb. 2, 2024 — Residents and officials in Prince William County are grappling with HVAC issues at the recently constructed $17 million Animal Shelter, which opened its doors a year and a half ago in November 2022.
An anonymous complaint prompted action from the Police Department, which raised concerns about unacceptable temperatures and humidity levels in various areas of the Animal Services Center.
The complaint, posted in the Eastern Prince William Chatter Facebook Group, states “The heating, cooling and ventilation system in the new animal shelter has not functioned properly since construction. The animals and staff have been suffering unnecessarily for over a year now. The leaders of the county’s facility services have been hiding this from the community because they don’t want to expose themselves to the Board of County Supervisors.”
The Facilities and Fleet Management (FFM) initiated an investigation, identifying problems with the Energy Recovery Unit (ERU) and facility humidifiers, County Executive Christopher Shorter explained to county supervisors in an email.
FFM took steps to return the ERU to service and activate the facility humidifiers. Adjustments to the Building Automation System (BAS) now allow remote temperature control. Despite these efforts, the county called on three contractors on January 19 to assess the BAS and propose necessary adjustments.
There is no estimated repair cost, and the timeline for resolving the issues remains uncertain. Shorter indicated his email to supervisors alterting supervisors to the HVAC issues was prompted by the social media post.
The $17 million animal shelter was intended to address the needs of the growing county, replacing the previous 45-year-old facility that opened in 1975. The project faced challenges, including redesigns and cost overruns, ultimately taking more than five years to complete. In 2017, the Board of County Supervisors prioritized the construction of the new facility.
None responded when we contacted all Prince William Board of County Supervisors members for a comment on his story.
The county’s Animal Services Center sits at 14807 Bristow Road near Manassas.
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On January 30, at 8:47 AM, Prince William police were called to a report of shots fired in the vicinity of Verde Place and Piedmont Vista Drive in Haymarket. Upon investigation, police said John James Ogle, discharged a handgun into the ground.
Police said he tried to euthanize his 16-year-old cocker-spaniel and poodle mixed dog. The accused fired one round, followed by several others, killing the dog, police said. No one was injured.
Animal Control Officers removed the dead animal and charged Ogle, 70
with felony cruelty to animals, shooting in a public place, and improper disposal of a companion animal. As of now, his court date is pending, and he has been released on Personal Recognizance.
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Greetings, Prince William – Are you looking for a project to do with the kids during their holiday break? Manassas City Animal Shelter is in urgent need of donations of items such as dog/cat food, dog/cat treats, dog/cat toys, cat litter, bleach, wipes, Dawn dish soap, trash bags and more! You can collect these items and drop them off at the shelter, 10039 Dean Drive, Manassas 20110. What a wonderful way to being 2024, knowing you’re providing homeless animals with much-needed supplies! Please call 703.257.2420 to learn more.
· You can help fight food insecurity! The hard-working staff at ACTS is in Urgent need of volunteers to support their Food Donation Center, 17958 Dr. David Cline Lane, Dumfries 22026 on weekdays. Flexible schedules! Jobs include accepting and weighing donations and complete receipts when requested. Volunteers will also shelve donations, pre-fill grocery bags, and assist NOVA Food Rescue Heroes with loading their vehicles for Home Deliveries. You’ll feel awesome knowing you’re helping this organization provide food to over 2,000 people each month! Please fill out an online volunteer application at www.actspwc.org, be prepared to download proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Questions? Please email [email protected] to learn more.
· Help low-income children get seasonal clothing! Boxes of Basics has released their volunteer schedule for January, and volunteers age 12+ are needed to help sort and shelve donations, pack Boxes of Basics and assorted other tasks. All volunteer activity is held at their warehouse, 9239 Mike Garcia Drive, Manassas 20109. It’s a terrific opportunity and will help vulnerable children get the clothing they need to get through the winter months! Please visit their Sign Up Genius page at https://bit.ly/3t6kj6b.
· It’s going to be mild weather on Christmas Day, but the folks at Capital Caring Health realize winter weather can return any time! They’re looking for Snow Team Drivers age 21+ who can transport staff to care for patients whose health care needs don’t take a break for inclement weather. A safe, reliable vehicle is needed (think 4-wheel drive) to provide transportation, even during a blizzard. You’ll feel fantastic knowing that you are helping nurses, social workers and other clinical staff continue to provide critical services for their clients in the middle of winter! Please visit https://bit.ly/4824M6W for more information, email [email protected] to learn more.
· You can make a difference in the life of a child! CASA Children’s Intervention Services needs volunteers age 21+ who care about children growing up in a safe, permanent and loving home. The staff will hold their next Virtual Information Sessions on January 3, 2024, and again on January 17, 2024, 6pm-7pm each date. Learn how you can help protect abused and neglected children in your community by becoming a volunteer advocate. Please email [email protected] or call 703.330.8145 to receive the link to the meeting or to inquire about alternate dates.
· If you’re interested in helping refugees, here’s something for you! Catholic Charities’ Migration and Refugee Services will be holding monthly Virtual Volunteer Information Sessions the first Wednesday of each month, beginning January 3, 2024, at 5:30pm. Sessions last one hour, and you’ll learn more about how to help newly-arrived families thrive in Northern Virginia, volunteer opportunities and the volunteer onboarding process. Registration is required, please visit https://bit.ly/40pcwwH to sign up for a session. Please email [email protected] or call 703.851.6388 to learn more.
· The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta invites children in grades K-12 to participate in the 2024 MLK Community Choir! The choir is scheduled to perform at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Program on January 15, 2024. It’s not too late to join – interested Prince William County, Manassas City, and Manassas Park youth can register at https://bit.ly/3sQ7PQu. Rehearsals have started, other dates are January 12 and January 15. Please email [email protected] for more information.
· The City of Manassas Park needs volunteers age 18+ to assist with their Active Shooter Drill at Manassas Park Elementary School, 9298 Cougar Court, Manassas Park on January 13, 2024, and January 20, 2024, 10am-5pm each day. They need 40-50 volunteers each day to be Actors for this drill in order to make it as realistic as possible. Please note you may be exposed to loud noises such as gunshots, may be lying on the floor and may be asked to have moulage applied. To sign up, please visit https://bit.ly/4af5U8V. Please contact Francis Rath at 703.366.3858 or [email protected] with any questions.
· If your office or group is looking for projects in 2024, here’s a great one to consider! The SERVE Family Shelter in Manassas has released its 2024 schedule of shelter meals, and groups of 5-7 volunteers age 18+ are needed to provide home-cooked meals to their residents on weekends and holidays. Volunteers will provide, prepare and deliver nutritious meals for about 60 guests. Groups have the option to prepare the meal offsite and do a drive-by drop-off delivery of the meal to the shelter or to prepare and serve onsite in the shelter kitchen. You’ll feel great as you provide the warmth and comfort of a home-cooked meal to those experiencing homelessness! Please contact Karen at [email protected] or call 571.748.2626 to learn more.
· If you enjoy helping people with their finances, Virginia Cooperative Extension has a terrific opportunity for you! They’re in need of volunteers to go through their Master Financial Educator Certificate Program – once completed, volunteers will educate participants on topics such as Debt Management, Credit Management, Spending Plans and more. The $80 registration fee covers a background check, USB drive containing training materials and polo shirt. Training is provided which runs February 19-March 25. Volunteers must commit to the full 6-week program. You’ll feel great as you share your financial expertise to help local residents navigate their way out of debt to financial freedom and solvency! Please email [email protected] or call 703.792.5943 for more information.
If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.
-Information submitted by Volunteer Prince William
Prince William County Animal Shelter:Â “We are is currently experiencing an increase in Canine Upper Respiratory Infections. The health and well-being of the animals in our care is our top priority, and therefore, we are temporarily limiting dog intakes. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.”
Press release: “Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye again invites animal lovers to Barktoberfest, a celebration of Prince William County’s (PWC) furriest residents. This year, the event is being held in conjunction with the Chinn Regional Library Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 21, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, 13065 Chinn Park Drive, 22192.”
“Attendees can connect with local resources and service providers for pets, and learn how they can get involved in animal advocacy efforts ranging from volunteering at the shelter or dog park to fostering opportunities. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome at the event, and costumes are encouraged in the spirit of the season. Barktoberfest will feature:”
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Animal adoptions
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Pet-friendly photo booth
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Dog agility course
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Free treats, tennis balls, & other giveaways
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Resources & services for pet owners
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Ways to support animal welfare in PWC
“Exhibitors include the PWC Animal Shelter, PWC SPCA, PWC Dogs (the volunteer group for K9 Gunner Dog Park), Dapper Chap Cofee, Dirty Dogs Mobile Grooming, Feisty Dog Xchange, Mr. Woof Dog Care, Squishy Face Crew of Virginia, Petsuites of Manassas, Operation Paws for Homes and Wagging Warriors.”
“Additionally, the Chinn Fall Festival will offer a range of children’s activities, a petting zoo, crafts, music, food trucks and a used book sale. Seals on Wheels, the PWC Circuit Court Clerk’s mobile service center, will also be there offering services such as the filing of applications for marriage licenses and notaries.”
