RE: Tazewell County VA Realtor Threatens to Force Dying Tenant’s Pets Out In the Snow
Wow, that is unconscionable. I can't believe someone would be that heartless. While I might be able to understand a fear of posisble legal complications (i.e. releasing the dogs to a third party without the express written consent of the owner), threatening to just let them run out of the apartment is despicable. The local humane society should step in and take custody of the animals until it is determined that she will not recover or otherwise gives permission to have the animals placed with a rescue group. There are actually legal technicalities that need to be worked through, which is understandable, but the property manager seems like a real heartless bitch. Perhaps the tenant's family members can step in and take charge. Otherwise, you may want to consult a lawyer.
I run a 501c3 rescue in this area and did offer to take the dogs. I needed help getting them to me, and Simmons refused, stating they might poop in her car. After that is when she made the statement about opening the door and turning them out.
There are definitely laws governing this type of situation. You can't just dispose of another person's pets. The family of a deceased person gets ten days to make a decision on whether or not they want the animals. After that, the jurisdiction holding them can go ahead and destroy them.