Animal shelter gets conditional approval in follow-up inspection

The Brunswick County Animal Shelter received conditional approval following a Dec. 20 follow-up state inspection.

The shelter still needs to address “ventilation and temperature” in its dog kennel area, according to the end-of-year report issued by a state inspector.

“Issues with temperatures in warm/hot weather still exist,” the report states, adding an air conditioning unit has been contracted for the shelter, with installation expected for completion by Jan. 31.

“AC is being installed as we speak,” shelter director Richard Cooper said Tuesday, noting a contractor was working at the shelter.

The inspector noted the temperature in the kennel on the day of the inspection was 66 degrees, which was within the “ambient temperature range of 50-85 degrees. Good.”

The report notes “three small areas” also need repairs, in a window wall of the cat room, a corner hole in a feed room and in a hallway entrance between the cat adoption room and kennel area.

It further notes cracks in the K-9 area floors have been sealed and “will probably need resealing from time to time until another product is found.”

“Shelter is very clean, dogs and cats look well cared for,” the inspector concludes. “Very pleased that AC will be installed soon. Personnel very helpful.”

The shelter will be re-inspected once air conditioning is installed and sheetrock work is completed.

The inspection was a follow-up to Aug. 13 and Sept. 19 inspections, which the shelter failed for not having air conditioning in the kennel area. Resting boards were also ordered for the kennel and resting platforms for the feral cat room.

Brunswick County commissioners on Dec. 17 approved a budget line item of $31,000 for the air conditioning.