‘I’m absolutely sick’: Virginia man says Huntsville animal shelter wrongfully killed his dog

A Virginia man claims Huntsville Animal Services wrongfully killed his dog.

Bill Hoyt, executive director of the Strafford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Stafford, Va., said the dog’s death was unnecessary and that he was unable to reach shelter officials in several attempts to save the dog.

“I am absolutely sick and furious over the killing of our dog and the complete refusal of ‘management’ to admit their mistake, own up to it and act like an adult,” Hoyt said this week. “Instead, they circle the wagons and lie — publicly.”

In a statement released this week, Huntsville Animal Services representatives say they have not been able to speak with Hoyt or the man they had working to retrieve the dog from the area.

During the time they had the dog, Jaxx, shelter officials say he exhibited aggressive behavior, which made him unsuitable for adoption.

“Jaxx, a stray taken in by Madison County Animal Control was brought to Huntsville Animal Services on October 1st,” the statement said.

“Huntsville Animal Services held him longer than the seven-day holding period for owner redemption as required by state law. Unfortunately, during that time, he displayed aggressive behavior, which prevented him from being made available for adoption and led to his euthanasia on October 10.”

“Animal Services staff were unable to speak directly to the parties who inquired about Jaxx prior to the euthanasia decision. This was an unfortunate situation and the aspects of this case are being reviewed by Animal Services management.”

Hoyt said he was trying to save the dog who had been in his shelter until he was adopted in 2017. He was brought to Alabama sometime later.

On Oct. 1, Hoyt said he was alerted that the dog’s microchip had been scanned by Madison County Animal Control, who brought the dog to Huntsville Animal Services.

A man — apparently related to Hoyt — contacted the shelter on Oct. 9 and 10, but hung up after being put on hold, Huntsville Animal Services News 19 said. Hoyt asked to speak with a supervisor on Oct. 10, the day Jaxx was euthanized, but Huntsville Animal Services said no one was available.

In his investigation into Jaxx’s death, Hoyt said his Facebook and email were flooded with others detailing “horrific experiences” with the city’s animal services.

“Huntsville is far too big, too rich and too modern to operate with this kind of facility, management and indifferent political cover,” he said.

“From what I’ve seen in the last 24 hours, as my inbox overflows, is that I’m absolutely not alone. Apparently this happens all the time and it’s business as usual, which explains the utter indifference of staff and management.”