In a bid to increase pet adoptions and reduce euthanasia rates at Morgan County Animal Control, newly hired Director Darren Tucker has expanded adoption hours to include Saturday.
Tucker said the shelter took in 108 dogs and 103 cats during his first month on the job. It surrendered 17 cats and 12 dogs to rescue groups and adopted out another three cats and five dogs to new homes.
It also euthanized 42 dogs and 66 cats, he said. Noting that some animals are not adoptable for health reasons and that the shelter has limited space and resources, Tucker called euthanasia at the public shelter a necessary evil.
But he also said he is hoping to reduce the shelters euthanasia rates by increasing adoptions and encouraging more county residents to spay and neuter their pets.
The shelter is now open from 9 to 11:30 a.m. each Saturday, starting this past weekend. Normally, the shelter, located in Hartselle, has been only open for adoptions 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Tucker said he is hopeful the expanded hours allow more people to visit the shelter, increasing the odds of pets getting adopted.
Were blessed to have a lot of no-kill shelters that come through here, but just to be perfectly honest, if you have two or three rescue groups that come through and then you have people who want to adopt a dog come through and that animal is still in the kennel, it doesnt look good, and you can only keep them for so long, he said.
Tucker is also planning an open house from 8:30 a.m. to noon July 29 to help raise awareness about the shelter and its animals which he said is the greatest challenge for the moment and to educate the public about the importance of vaccinations, the countys leash laws, and the need to spay and neuter pets.
A lot of people arent aware that in the county we have a leash law, he said.
While prices have not been solidified, the open house will feature reduced-cost adoptions, pending the results of fundraising efforts through the sale of T-shirts and animal-identification microchips.
Tucker said a local veterinarian technician is volunteering her services to microchip pets for a reduced cost of about $15 during the open house. The revenue will help reduce adoption costs, he said, and pet owners are asked to schedule microchipping in advance to ensure there are enough time slots.
Tucker said he is also taking pre-orders for T-shirts as part of a fundraiser to reduce adoption costs. Current adoption prices are $110 for a dog and $80 for a cat. That covers the cost of spaying and neutering, health checks and vaccinations.
May numbers at the shelter were up from March, when the shelter took in 65 dogs, 22 cats, turned over 24 to rescue groups and euthanized nine dogs and eight cats, according to County Commission Chairman Ray Long.
At Decatur Animal Services, Kennel Manager Kari Hallman said adoption rates and dropoffs generally increase this time of year, because of litter season and because kids are out of school for the summer and more likely to adopt.
The Decatur shelter took in 90 cats and 139 dogs in May. It euthanized 26 dogs, including 11 sick or injured and 15 feral dogs, and 60 cats, including 15 that were aggressive toward people or other animals, 28 sick or injured, 10 feral cats and seven at their owner's request.
For anyone looking to adopt an animal that might not otherwise find an owner, Hallman said adult dogs and cats, especially black ones, are at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting the eye of a potential new owner.
They dont even see them. They tend to walk by them and go to the brown dog, she said.
Additionally, dogs with any health problems are less likely to be adopted, she said.
No one wants high euthanasia rates, said Brian Lundberg, manager of Decatur Animal Services. I think the best answer is the most obvious, spay and neuter awareness, and actually practicing it.
Lundberg said most people do a good job at that, but we need everyone onboard to make real tangible progress.
Read more:
New Morgan animal shelter director wants to curb euthanasia ... - The Decatur Daily
- Euthanasia - The New York Times [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2016]
- Euthanasia | Define Euthanasia at Dictionary.com [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2016]
- Taking Life: Humans, by Peter Singer - Utilitarian [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2016]
- Free euthanasia Essays and Papers - 123helpme [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2016]
- Half a Life (Star Trek: The Next Generation) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 20th, 2017]
- Euthanasia | Students for Life [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2017]
- Mass euthanasia rumors prompt adoptions en masse at animal control shelter in Georgia - fox6now.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Doctor 'asked family to hold down struggling euthanasia victim ... - Catholic Herald Online [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Doctor who asked dementia patient's family to hold her down while she gave lethal injection cleared - The Independent [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- County animal shelter aggressively working to cut euthanasia rate - ABC15 Arizona [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Once euthanasia is voluntary, it will become irresistible. Just ask the ... - Catholic Herald Online (blog) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- New Law in Taiwan Halts Euthanasia of Stray Animals - Seeker - Seeker [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after discovery of euthanasia drug - Detroit Free Press [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Evanger's dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in one batch - WHIO [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Euthanasia's goals: save money, collect organs - One News Now - OneNewsNow [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- RECALL: Canned dog food has traces of animal euthanasia drug - KUTV 2News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- US dog food recall after euthanasia drug found - BBC News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Taiwan bans euthanasia of stray animals - Yahoo - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Euthanasia reform moves forward in the senate - Deseret News [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Wheeling-based Evanger's recalls dog food found to contain euthanasia drug - Chicago Tribune [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in can. One dog dead. - Washington Post [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Dog food sold in Minnesota recalled over euthanasia drug - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Imagining a future with compulsory euthanasia - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Euthanasia 'Safeguards' Soon Seen as 'Hurdles' - National Review [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in it - CNN [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Bill to Ban Gas Chamber Euthanasia Moves to the Senate - Good4Utah [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Religion in the courtroom: Neil Gorsuch's faith and writings draw close attention - The Denver Post [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Dutch doctors against euthanasia for advanced dementia patients - NL Times [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Canadian study touts euthanasia's cost 'benefit' - Brnow [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Pug Dies After Eating Dog Food Contaminated With Euthanasia Drug - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Patients Rights Council [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- New euthanasia debate in Spain - BioEdge [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Labour will not introduce private members bill on euthanasia - Scoop.co.nz (press release) [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- MP's personal story behind euthanasia support - Clarence Valley Daily Examiner [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Could laser therapy help dog owners avoid euthanasia? - 12news.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Speaker receives citizens' initiative on legalisation of euthanasia - YLE News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Euthanasia's march Down Under - Catholic Herald Online (blog) [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Another company issues recall after euthanasia drug found in dog ... - KATU [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Medical Council against euthanasia: 'We don't want youths euthanising their grandparents' - MaltaToday [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- More dog food recalled because it may contain euthanasia drug ... - Q13 FOX [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Law students accuse Medical Council of twisting their euthanasia arguments - MaltaToday [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Hanson, Hinch launch passionate arguments for euthanasia law - Starts at 60 [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Pauline Hanson and Derryn Hinch get riled up about euthanasia - Starts at 60 [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Brigit Forsyth on euthanasia, internet dating and whether she'd consider Likely Lads revival - ChronicleLive [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- FDA confirms euthanasia agent pentobarbital in dog food | Food ... - Food Safety News [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Oregon's Euthanasia Bill Is Intentionally Ambiguous - National Review [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Conservative leaders argued drugs, euthanasia, and fiscal policy in Langley - Langley Advance [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- New German film addresses Nazi child 'euthanasia' - euronews [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- How Did a Euthanasia Drug End Up in Dog Food? - Care2.com [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Why euthanasia slippery slopes are inevitable - National Right to Life News [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Oregon's euthanasia bill awash with 'ambiguity' - OneNewsNow [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Adoption center works to reduce euthanasia - The Dominion Post [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Police stance was to not answer questions over details of euthanasia checkpoint - Stuff.co.nz [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- WA election: Euthanasia, Safe Schools hot topics as Liberal, Labor leaders face Christian voters - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Lessons from indigenous wisdom in the euthanasia debate - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Dying man gathers his family together for final hours before ... - 9Honey [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Quebec Moves Toward Euthanasia for Alzheimer's | National Review - National Review [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Once Euthanasia Voluntary, It'll Become Irresistible, Ask the Dutch; Real Humility; and More! - National Catholic Register (blog) [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- APA Position on Medical Euthanasia - Psychiatric Times [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Pike County animal shelter reduces euthanasia rates - WYMT News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- BioEdge: Should Quebec's Alzheimer's patients be eligible for ... - BioEdge [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- 45 Rescued Cats and Dogs Are Facing Euthanasia But One Woman is Fighting to Build Them Shelter - One Green Planet [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Minnesota Euthanasia Advocates Introduce Legislation to Legalize ... - LifeNews.com [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Italy: tetraplegic DJ stirs up euthanasia debate by assisted suicide in Switzerland - euronews [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Euthanasia and Alzheimer's: Canada takes a step in the wrong direction - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Choice is an Illusion President Margaret Dore States Hawaii ... - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Evanger's expands recall because dog food may contain euthanasia drug - The Seattle Times [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Last Wishes mobile pet euthanasia service adds storefront hospice for pets - Chron.com [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- DJ's assisted suicide stirs up Italy euthanasia debate - BBC News [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- The euthanasia debate is polarised, yet shared concerns unite all sides - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Jagged Vision Streaming "Euthanasia" - Metal Underground [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Paralysed Italian DJ takes own life in Swiss clinic after fruitless euthanasia campaign in his native country - The Independent [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Mane Attraction hosts Beauty to the RESCUE to fight animal euthanasia - 12news.com [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Finnish parliament debates legalising euthanasia - Expatica Netherlands [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Euthanasia Advocate Changes Her Mind After Watching the Euthanasia Deception Documentary - LifeNews.com [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- In places where it's legal, how many people are ending their lives ... - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- DJ's assisted suicide fuels Italy's euthanasia debate - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Corgi pit bull with lopsided jaw saved from euthanasia - BBC News [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Euthanasia: What to Expect When Your Dog is Put Down [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Gentle Journey Phoenix Arizona In Home Pet Euthanasia [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]