Frequently Asked Questions
As an organization, the Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc., would like to answer questions from the public concerning our group and our policies. Please feel free to e-mail us concerning any questions you may have. We would like to hear from you.
Our e-mail address is: acwpcoordinator@hotmail.com.
I am wondering, what services are you providing at this time?
We offer spay / neuter assistance for persons who qualify. We also offer puppy, dog, kitten, cat and other animal placement assistance.
What is the ACWP, Inc. long range goals?
We hope to eventually have a fully funded animal shelter for Summers County. At this time we are concentrating on animal placement and spay / neuter for all dogs and cats.
I am interested in adopting one of your pets. Where would I go to see them?
For an appointment and directions please call 304-466-6935 (voicemail only) and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible.
What is the fee for adopting a pet from the ACWP, Inc.?
Price depends on type of animal, size, etc.
If I get a dog or cat from the ACWP, Inc. will I have to get it spayed or neutered? If so, will there be a discount from your organization for this request?
Yes. All unaltered dogs and cats will have to be spayed or neutered and we offer assistance under special circumstances.
My pet had some puppies / kittens. I am not able to adopt them out or take care of them. Would your organization be willing to take them?
Yes. Under certain circumstances.
I would be willing to use my house as a foster home for one or more of your animals. What compensation if any will I get for doing this? What is the length of time that I must keep the animals?
There is no compensation at this time due to lack of funds. The time varies for keeping the animals.
Our school would like to form a club to help your organization. Can we expect any guidance from the ACWP, Inc.?
Yes. Please call 304-466-6935 (voicemail only) and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible.
Would a member from the ACWP, Inc. be willing to come to our group or school to tell us about your organization?
Yes. Please call 304-466-6935 (voicemail only) and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible.
Do you need volunteers and if so how can I help?
Yes!!! We need baked goods for sales, workers for rummage sales, and volunteers for adoption days! Please call us at 304-466-6935 (voicemail only) and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible.
Do you need supplies? If so what types?
Yes!!! We need building supplies for dog houses, fencing, blankets, towels, cat litter, cleaning supplies, pet food, etc. Please see our "Wish List" located under the Needs tab above.
What is your adoption policy?
All unaltered dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered within one month of their adoption. In the case of a puppy or kitten, within one month of maturity. All unaltered dogs and cats that have not been spayed or neutered will be reclaimed by ACWP, Inc. Proof of spaying or neutering will be required.
If for some reason you are unable to care for the animal that you have adopted from us, you will agree to return it to ACWP, Inc.
Before I get a dog or cat, what shots do you give it?
Rabies and the 1st Solo-Jec 7 (4-Way).
If I am not happy with the animal I adopted, can I bring it back?
Yes. Within ten days of the adoption.
What happens if the animal I adopted died because it was sickly?
Within ten days we will give you a replacement animal or a full refund.
What is the law concerning impounding of pets?
In West Virginia, a dog or cat can be impounded for not having either an animal license or a rabies vaccination tag or both as is required by law. If said animal is not claimed within (5) five days of being impounded it can be sold for assessed costs or otherwise disposed of according to law.
Do you automatically euthanize the dogs and cats after their (5) five day period is up?
No.
Can ACWP, Inc. use volunteers?
Yes. Please call 304-466-6935 (voicemail only) and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible. Volunteers will be screened to find out if they are sincere about working and helping with animals. Also volunteers must have some knowledge of animals.
Does ACWP, Inc. need equipment or supplies that I can donate?
Yes!!! We can always use newspapers, dog and cat food, cleaning supplies, cat litter and many more items. Please see our "Wish List" located under the Needs tab above.
What is the West Virginia state law toward an owner whose pet has bitten someone?
West Virginia Code 19-20-9a. Any person who own or harbors any dog, cat, or other domesticated animal, whether licensed or unlicensed, which bites any person, shall forthwith confine and quarantine the animal for a period of (14) fourteen days for rabies observation. If such animal is not so confined and quarantined, the humane officer, dog warden or sheriff may cause such animal to be placed in the custody and care of a licensed veterinarian for such purposes at the owner's expense. The penalty for any violation of this section shall be a fine of fifty dollars or confinement in the county jail for a period of no less than two or no more than three days.
Under what conditions can I call ACWP, Inc. for emergencies after working hours?
Owned animals that are sick or injured must be taken to a veterinarian by the owner or custodian.
Stray animals running at large in general do not constitute an emergency and are therefore not considered an emergency call. Stray animals that are endangering someone's life or property should be referred to the Hinton City Police, the Summers County Sheriff's Department, or the West Virginia State Police and the Hinton City / Summers County Animal Control Officer.
By law, animals are considered personal property - the same as a car. Complaints of owned animals being shot or stolen are personal property complaints and should be referred to the Hinton City Police, the Summers County Sheriff's Departmant, or the West Virginia State Police.
Complaints of owned animals being injured or killed by other owned animals should be referred to the Hinton City Police, the Summers County Sheriff's Department, or the West Virginia State Police.
Complaints of animals biting a human should be referred to the Hinton City Police, the Summers County Sheriff's Department, or the West Virginia State Police and the Summers County Health Department.
Hinton City Police Department .............................. 304-466-3333
Summers County Sheriff's Department ................... 304-466-7111
West Virginia State Police - Hinton Office ............. 304-466-2800
Summers County Health Department ..... ............... 304-466-3388
Jerry Wheeler, Animal Control Officer
Hinton City / Summers County ........................ 304-466-4860
Pager (Please leave a call back number) ...... 304-251-0165
Is there a law in the State of West Virginia that protects animals that are being abused by their owners?
Yes. If any person cruelly mistreats, abandons or withholds proper sustenance, including food, water, shelter or medical treatment necessary to sustain normal health and fitness or to end suffering or abandons any animal to die, or uses, trains or possesses any domesticated animal for the purpose of seizing, detaining or maltreating any other domesticated animal, he or she is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than one hundred nor more than one thousand dollars, or confined in the county jail not more than six months, or both so fined and confined.
In laymen's terms, your animals, which include, but are not limited to, dogs, cats, horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, etc., must have:
1. appropriate food for the age and size of the animal
2. appropriate shelter from the elements, including, but not limited to, rain, ice, sleet, snow, wind, sun, etc., for the size of the animal
3. appropriate amount of fresh water
4. medical attention for any and all ailments.