Oxford Animal shelter closed following neglect allegations
PHOTO STORY: OXFORD, MS — ANIMAL SHELTER CLOSING
Oxford’s animal shelter, run by non-profit Mississippi Critterz, began facing accusations of animal neglect and mistreatment from former and current employees and volunteers.Audio captured at Mississippi Critterz, March 2021.
Stacks of kennels and animal carriers could be seen outside of the shelter on a normal day.
Nine Lives Cat Rescue runs a feral cat colony, some of whose residents are shown here, located behind the Mississippi critterz shelter.
A report from an inspection by two veterinarians painted a bleak picture inside of the shelter: poor hygiene, no records and undersized cages.
Animal Rescue Corps reached out to the city of Oxford to remove the remaining 48 animals from the shelter after it closed.
Recent donations of goods like kennels, blankets and food were not donated to American Rescue Corps. Lights remain on inside of the shelter facility.
Empty cages remain outside of the shelter.
Mayor Robyn Tannehill announced at the March 16 Board of Alderman meeting plans to hire animal shelter consultant Tim Crum for a $22,000 contract to help the city plan the future of its animal control.
Oxford police department will be performing animal control duties until an intermediate animal control officer and kennel attendants are found. Apprehended animals will still be kept on the site of the old shelter.
Grace E. Marion 