VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Beach SPCA seeks donations after taking in 18 rescue dogs on Friday.
The dogs were picked up from Richmond on Feb. 2, and were transferred by the BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell.
“We can always take financial donations, especially at a time when local shelters, including ours, are just absolutely crowded with animals,” said Mandi Kowaleski, VBSPCA marketing and communications director.
According to the VBSPCA, four of the adults and six puppies came from Kentucky, where dozens of dogs were rescued from a home in “deplorable conditions” near Louisville. The other dogs were rescued from commercial breeders after being surrendered to National Mill Dog Rescue.
Staff from the VBSPCA say that the kennel received 56 animals from transfers during the month of January, 87% coming from local partners. And after taking in 18 rescue dogs in deplorable condition just adds to an already-crowded shelter.
“A huge amount of surrenders that have happened recently [have been] from commercial breeders that are over-populated,” Kowaleski said. “We have been working with organizations to help when we can create space.”
The dogs from this transfer will not be available for adoption immediately, but will be on the VBSPCA website once they become available. 10 On Your Side spoke Monday with a representative, who said the animals are all getting medical checkups, and some may be ready for adoption as early as Tuesday.
The ASPCA is asking for donations in order to give future pets like these the love and medical attention they need.
“Every year, we spend more than $400,000 on animal medical care,” Kowaleski said, “and it’s a huge need, so if you are able to donate financially, that’s wonderful, and we certainly appreciate it and can use it.
While cash is always king, the SPCA website has a donation page where you gift an amount, or shop for items from an Amazon wishlist.
“If you can’t donate financially, please check out our wishlist on our website,” Kowaleski said. “You might have stuff lying around the house that we actually need — things like gently-used sheets and towels to make our animals warm and comfortable while they’re here.”
Kent Kilby stopped by to make a $100 donation.
“We saw you all on Channel 10 last night on the news,” Kilby said, “and it was heartbreaking almost. We want to do whatever we can, whenever we can.”
More information
You can find more information about what to give and how to donate on their website, VBSPCA.com. Also, keep an eye on their adoptable animals page. Some of those recently-rescued dogs should be appearing there soon.
