CROSSVILLE —
The Cumberland County Animal Shelter has announced a significant decrease in euthanasia of animals over the past five months, despite an increase in the number of animals accepted at the shelter.
From July through November, the shelter accepted 893 cats and dogs. Of those, 46 percent were euthanized. That's a decrease of more than 30 percent from the same period in 2010 when 681 pets were accepted at the shelter and 77 percent were euthanized due to lack of space, lack of adoptions and lack of rescue organization support.
"This is a multi-faceted, long-term effort by many people and organizations," said Jennifer Farley, rescue coordinator. This decrease in euthanasia is the first step in a long range plan to eliminate euthanasia as an option for animal population control. "More importantly, all of the people working on this effort are volunteers. One person can make a difference, and each of these volunteers make a difference every day that they are here."
Candy Castle, Sharon Hilton and Bernie and Stasia LeFrancious are just a few of those volunteers who conduct adoption events are area stores and volunteer at the shelter weekly, updating photos and personality descriptions on petfinder.com for all felines at the shelter.
Beth Robison visits the shelter weekly to go through lost and found lists to try and reunite lost animals with their families. She also works with the staff at the grooming salon Pet Care Specialists inside the Walmart Super Center, bringing them a dog each week to be groomed free of charge in hopes of helping the dog find a home.
Farley said the 12 Dogs of Christmas campaign last week, which shared photos and stories of 12 dogs that have called the shelter home for far too long, was a success.
"Not only were all 12 dogs rescued, but we continue to receive much needed rescue support after the fact," said Farley.
Andrea Gaskins, director of the shelter, is thrilled with the community's support.
"I was shocked to walk into the shelter on Monday morning and find only 10 dogs inside the building. When rescues and adopters continued to arrive on Monday and Tuesday, pulling even more dogs, I felt like it was an answer to a prayer."
There are currently 31 dogs at the shelter at 782 East Lane in Crossville. Maximum capacity at the shelter is 80 dogs.
"We know we are going to be full again shortly," Farley said. "And, as unfortunate as it is, euthanasia is still a possibility if we cannot continue to re-home these dogs in a timely fashion. But I am pleased to see the tremendous decrease in euthanasia and proud of the staff and volunteers for continuing to make an effort to find these animals a permanent home," Farley said.
The shelter staff and volunteers encourage everyone to take advantage of the low cost spay and neuter options available in the region. The public may contact Wags and Whiskers for assistance at 788-2201.
"If animals stop reproducing needlessly, then our intake numbers go down and there are fewer animals that have to come here," Farley said.
The shelter sill has spayed or neutered cats available at a special rate of only $25, sponsored by the rescue organization A.A.R.F. (All About Rescue and Fixin'), based in Putnam and Cumberland counties. This special will continue until funds are depleted for this cause.
Visit the Cumberland County Animal Shelter to find a new best friend. The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 484-8525 or see the animals available for adoption on petfinder.com.
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