Photo: M Usman Habib / 500px / 500px / Getty Images
The Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA took in nearly 40 exotic animals late Monday night after they were transferred to the shelter by the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office.
According to RHSPCA Executive Director Huck Nawaz, an animal control officer contacted the shelter that evening to arrange the intake. By the time staff arrived the next morning, dozens of animals had been temporarily set up inside the shelter’s conference room.
In total, the shelter received 38 animals, including 17 birds, 16 reptiles, three amphibians, two fish, and one dog.
Nawaz said the sudden arrival was unusual for the facility. Over the entire previous year, the shelter only took in about 50 animals that weren’t cats or dogs, making the overnight intake a major change for the staff.
Shelter workers immediately focused on assessing the animals and determining their specific care needs. Because many of the species require specialized environments, staff had to evaluate proper diets, temperature conditions, and habitat requirements.
“Our first priority was making sure each animal was stabilized and that their individual needs were met,” Nawaz explained.
Authorities said the animals were discovered during a welfare check at a Rockingham County home. Investigators learned that the owner had died, and the family later agreed to transfer ownership of the animals to the shelter so they could receive proper care.
The animals arrived at the shelter in the same enclosures they were living in at the residence. Nawaz said the family’s decision to sign them over allowed the shelter to quickly begin providing medical attention, proper housing, and future adoption planning.
Staff members are now working to upgrade many of the habitats and order the supplies needed to properly care for the animals. The shelter plans to focus first on improving their living conditions and ensuring they are healthy before placing them up for adoption.
To help cover the unexpected costs, RHSPCA has launched a fundraiser with a goal of $5,000. Donations will go toward new enclosures, heating and UV lighting, species-specific food, and additional staffing needed to care for the animals.
Shelter officials say they will keep the community updated on when the animals may become available for adoption.
SOURCE: WHSV3