At the January meeting of the Douglas County Animal Control Advisory Board meeting yesterday afternoon, the year end statistics for the Douglas County Animal Shelter were reported to the board and the public concerning adoptions, rescues and euthanasia for the year 2012.
During 2012, 38% of all animals brought to the shelter were adopted. 31% were rescued, 11% were returned to owner and 16% were euthanized. The previous year of 2011, the euthanasia rate alone was over 38%. These estatistics represent a wonderful success, but they also represent two significant realities.
First, that 82% of all animals brought into the Douglas County Animal Shelter during 2012, made it out of the shelter alive and back into homes as pets. Sadly, the statistics also represents that only 11% of stray animals were re-claimed by their owners. Which means a lot of people who lost their animals last year in Douglas County, never reported them missing or made an attempted to come to the shelter to see if they have been picked up as strays.
Animal Control holds stray animals for 72 hours to afford their owners the time to come to the shelter and retrieve them. If an owner deosn't come to re-claim an animal in 72 hours, the animal becomes eligible for adoption or rescue by ordinance. If not adotped or rescued, they become eligible for euthanasia. The efforts of many dedicate members of the community, rescues and staff, prevented the number from being far worse than in previous years.
However, even with the overwhelming success this past year in the numbers of adoptions and rescues of dogs and cats at the shelter, there remained a number of healthy adoptable animals who were eventually put down for space.
The goal and desire of those active in the community concerning animal welfare issues in Douglas County, is to see to it that those impressive numbers can be improved upon in 2013. With the continued support of the community, dedicated DCAC staff, community volunteers and rescue organizations, the successes already achieved in saving lives can be maintained. With added emphasis and support of everyone involved, these numbers can be improved upon in 2013.
Come be a part of something worthwhile. Volunteer your time at our animal shelter and help make life the alternative outcome for the abandoned and lost.
