November 2, 2007
Press Release

BCSO Animal Control Issues Info Related to Drought and Animals

Lt. Darryl Saunders, Bedford County Sheriff's Office Field Operations Manager - and as such Officer-in-Charge of the Department's Animal Control Officers - is bringing to the public's attention, information which has been assembled to assist animal owners and farmers, during the drought.

Saunders has identified several information sources which may help individuals which own pets, as well as farmers who manage large herds. The information has been collected from Commonwealth websites which follow this article.

The information includes the "temporary exemptions" from overweight, over width, registration, or vehicle license requirements to all carriers transporting emergency relief supplies, as part of efforts to support disaster relief. The specifics are found in the Governor's Executive Order 57, which was issued on October 18, 2007.

According to Saunders, this information should be helpful to any Bedford County farmers who may be receiving or distributing hay.

Other web sites which contain information which may be of assistance to animal owners are listed below.

Any questions should be referred to Lt. D.E. Saunders, Bedford County Sheriff's Office, at (540) 586-4800.

Related Links:

►Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Launches Drought Web Site for Farmers (VDACS Press Release, October 19, 2007)
►Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services - 2007 Drought Information
►General Animal Control Statutes for Virginia

Contact: Robin Sundquist – Admin Officer – 540.586.4800