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Animal shelter closed until further notice after dog set to be adopted was euthanized

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Sam (PHOTO: Friends of the Appomattox County Public Animal Shelter)

Sam (PHOTO: Friends of the Appomattox County Public Animal Shelter)

APPOMATTOX COUNTY, Va. — The Appomattox County Animal Shelter is closed to the public Wednesday after “some issues” have arisen about the operation of the facility, according to a statement by County Administrator Susan Adams.

“Only employees of Appomattox County will be permitted to access the Shelter until further notice,” Adams wrote.

This comes after the shelter received a firestorm of criticism following a Facebook post Monday that said a dog at the shelter was euthanized despite having an adoption lined up.

The Facebook post was made by Friends of the Appomattox County Public Shelter, who had spent time with “Sam” days before his death on Friday, September 16.

Becky Marsh, the woman who was going to adopt Sam, told WDBJ she planned to pick him up Sam last weekend, but when she got to the shelter she was told Sam was gone.

She later found out the 3-year-old Springer mix had been euthanized.

By all accounts, Sam was a healthy dog that was ready to be adopted. So the news of his death struck Marsh hard.

“I was sad, confused, and angry,” Marsh said. “I still am.”

Tuesday, Appomattox County administrator Susan Adams said she was very concerned about Sam’s death and has requested the dog’s medical records.

In a statement released Wednesday, Appomattox County Attorney J. G. Overstreet said their preliminary investigation reveals the shelter handled everything in accordance with State law:

“The County considers the welfare and safety of the animals at its shelter to be a high priority. Accordingly, since Monday, September 19, 2016, the County Administrator has been actively investigating the details related to the euthanasia,” said Overstreet. “Preliminarily, it appears that the matter was handled properly and in accordance with State law.  Once the investigation is complete, the County Administrator will issue a Press Release as to her conclusion.”

Those wishing to adopt an animal may contact the Shelter at (434) 352-3103 to schedule an appointment.

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