Adoptions up, euthanasia down at Cumberland animal shelter – The Fayetteville Observer

Rodger Mullen Staff writer @RodgerMullen

WednesdayJan8,2020at4:45PM

Cumberland County had its lowest euthanasia rate in four years in 2019, according to the Animal Control Department.

The department also said Wednesday it was able to adopt out 183 more dogs and cats last year than in 2018.

Animal Control Director Elaine Smith welcomed the trend.

"There is an awareness and a willingness to help these animals, and we are confident that we can make an even bigger difference in the lives of these animals in the coming years as well," Smith said in a news release. "Our ultimate goal is to never have to euthanize an adoptable animal, and we appreciate all the help from our community partners, the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society, numerous rescue groups, our volunteers and our foster parents who make our task much lighter."

Animal Control said 3,012 dogs and cats were adopted in 2019, compared with 2,829 in 2018.

The number of dogs and cats euthanized in the county dropped from 3,790 in 2018 to 3,241 in 2019, a difference of 549. Smith said the county hopes to continue the trend this year.

In August, Cumberland County Animal Control participated in the nationwide "Clear the Shelters" program to adopt out as many animals as possible on a Saturday. A total of 162 animals were adopted during the event, which is a partnership with WRAL TV-5 and Mix 101.5 radio.

For information on animal adoption, call Animal Control at 910-321-6856.

Staff writer Rodger Mullen can be reached at rmullen@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3561.

Link:

Adoptions up, euthanasia down at Cumberland animal shelter - The Fayetteville Observer