Everything Alexandria
After a series of dog deaths connected to the Potomac Yard PetSmart earlier this year, Alexandria is seeking independent authority to inspect animal boarding facilities.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria — who the City of Alexandria contracts for animal care and control services — ultimately concluded that there was insufficient evidence to charge PetSmart or any staff with a crime but did cite poor conditions at the boarding facility.
While the report found that PetSmart was not responsible for the death of three dogs who died shortly after being in the boarding facility, the investigation did uncover poor conditions at the facility and a high number of animals in relation to care staff (100-160 animals with 4-5 care staff).
Sarah Graham Taylor, Alexandria’s Legislative Director, said currently the City of Alexandria only has the authority to inspect animal boarding facilities when something is reported to the city. Taylor said authority for regular inspections is invested in the state veterinarian and, because Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, Alexandria can only act with the authorities explicitly granted to it.
If the AWLA had been able to conduct annual inspections, it’s possible the poor conditions at PetSmart could have been found earlier.
“After the tragic circumstances of PetSmart pet boarding, that’s something where we want to ask if that authority can be granted to local authorities,” Taylor said.
Taylor said she worked with Del. Alfonso Lopez and State Sen. Adam Ebbin on drafting legislation to grant that authority to localities.
The legislative session is scheduled to begin on Jan. 8.
Vernon Miles is the ALXnow cofounder and editor. He’s covered Alexandria since 2014 and has been with Local News Now since 2018. When he’s not reporting, he can usually be found playing video games or Dungeons and Dragons with friends.
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