Palm Beach County animal control reports pet euthanasia rates are down - Palm Beach Post

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Updated: 12:05 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 2011

Posted: 11:44 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 2011

Palm Beach County animal control officials have spent years trying to reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats killed at their shelter each year.

The shelter has stepped up its spay and neuter programs and charges hefty tag fees for owners who don't sterilize their pets. And officials say their efforts have finally starting to pay off.

The number of pets killed at the animal shelter has fallen by 19 percent over the past year. It is the first time the shelter has seen such a large drop since it opened in the late 1960s, Animal Care and Control Director Dianne Sauve said.

The euthanasia rate among cats was down by 24 percent, while the number of unwanted dogs killed dropped by 3 percent, she said.

"Everything has finally clicked into place," Sauve said. "We have turned a corner here."

Meanwhile, adoption rates at the shelter on Belvedere Road in suburban West Palm Beach are up 5 percent from a year ago. Dog adoptions are up 11.8 percent, while cat adoptions are up 7 percent, Sauve said.

20 Sep, 2011

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