top of page
Writer's pictureSam Orlando

From Unlawful Fees to Public Trust Betrayal: An Augusta County Supervisor's Call for Transparency



Written by: Sam Orlando


As you may know, Scott Seaton, a supervisor on the Augusta County Board, has brought to light a series of disturbing irregularities in the operations of the local animal shelter over the past several weeks. Seaton pushed his questions for county personnel even further on Wednesday night. Among his revelations are the center's dubious financial practices, the violation of Virginia's law, and a significant erosion of public trust in the shelter's operations and governance. Equally significant, Seaton's exposé makes a passionate call for greater transparency and accountability within local governance structures, urging the facilitation of public access to government decisions and procedures.

Seaton opened his statement with an explanation of the underlying legal framework, and how the local shelter's operation seemingly violates it. He shed light on the confusion over fees and fines, highlighting the clear discrepancy between the county and state codes and the shelter's practices. The law stipulates that these institutions can only charge the actual cost of animal care, a regulation that the shelter allegedly circumvented, leading to scenarios such as the tragic case of a dog named Annabelle who was euthanized following her owner's inability to pay the shelter's hefty fees.

While the financial aspects of these allegations are concerning, the greater worry lies in the potential violation of state and federal law, and the denial of due process to pet owners. According to Seaton, the shelter has been flouting due process and property rights, unlawfully retaining pets without court orders and forcing owners to surrender their pets due to the high fees and fines. The supervisor expressed concerns over the county's possible criminal liability and called for a thorough investigation by state and federal law enforcement.

Highlighting the broader implications of this issue, Seaton moved on to the subject of public trust. He underscored the necessity for public institutions to be transparent and accountable in their practices. The alleged malpractices by the shelter not only violate laws but also erode the faith of residents in their local institutions. Furthermore, Seaton lamented the barriers that impede public access to government decisions. He criticized the confusing layout of government websites and the prohibition of video recordings at public meetings, calling for the removal of such barriers.

Seaton’s call for transparency extends beyond just the animal shelter and into all forms of local governance. "We need to facilitate the public's ability to catch the government in its illegal activity, whether intentional or accidental. Who is really watching the hen house? I think the 155,000 eyes of our residents on the county government are better than just 14," he said.

The supervisor ended his statement with a plea to restore the public's trust in their government. By unveiling these controversial practices and demanding greater transparency and accountability, Seaton has not only revealed troubling practices within the Augusta County Animal Shelter but also made a compelling case for public involvement in local governance. Only time will tell how these revelations will shape the future of animal shelter practices in Augusta County and whether Seaton's call for transparency will lead to significant changes in local governance.



33 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page