Prince George County to vote on controversial animal adoption policy changes

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Prince George County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote Tuesday evening on a proposal that could significantly alter how adoptions are handled at the county’s only animal shelter.

The proposed policy would reduce adoption fees from $100 to $25 for dogs and $75 to $25 for cats. It would also eliminate the current requirement that animals be spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter. Instead, new pet owners would sign a contract agreeing to have their pet sterilized within 30 days of adoption.

Supporters of the proposal argue the lower fees could make pet adoption more accessible and alleviate overcrowding at the shelter, which is currently operating at capacity.

The Prince George County Police Department, which oversees the shelter, said the change would also help reduce costs for both the county and adopters.

But critics warn the policy could create unintended consequences—particularly when it comes to ensuring animals are actually sterilized.

Lisa Moseley, who served as the shelter’s supervisor in 2023, said her own experience with a similar policy raises red flags.

“We’ve seen multiple cases of female animals at large and having puppies and kitties sitting on the side of the road starving,” Moseley told 8News.

Moseley acknowledged that reducing fees could encourage more adoptions, but expressed concern about potential increases in stray animals and unwanted litters if the follow-up on sterilizations falls through.

“There was a folder with over 100 animals I had to follow up on,” Moseley said. “It was very chaotic—no one was really worried about following up.”

In an emailed statement, Prince George County Police said that sterilization appointments would be scheduled at the time of adoption and that adopters who fail to comply would be in violation of state law.

The department also emphasized that negotiated discounts with veterinary clinics, previously secured by the shelter, would still be available to individuals under the new system.

However, Moseley argues that keeping sterilizations in-house would ultimately be more cost-effective and reduce the administrative burden of enforcing the contracts.

Animal welfare organizations, including the Richmond SPCA and PETA, have submitted letters to the Board of Supervisors urging them to reject the proposal.

The public hearing is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 22 at 6 p.m. at the County Administration Building.