Animal Control dramatically reduces shelter killing in Montrose, Colorado

Across the country we are hearing stories of shelters undergoing amazing transformations. Here’s yet another success story for the scrapbook!

Three cheers for the Montrose Animal Shelter in Montrose, Colorado. The shelter is operated through the police department and the police give the credit to their incredible volunteer force. Utilizing volunteers and transports to rescues, the Montrose Animal Shelter has significantly reduced shelter killing as reported in the Montrose Daily Press:

In 2007, the Montrose Animal Shelter put down 95 adoptable cats and 68 adoptable dogs. 2008’s numbers were hearteningly lower: only seven adoptable cats and 12 adoptable dogs had to be put to sleep.

An “adoptable” animal is one that does not suffer from untreatable disease or serious behavioral issues, and is adequately socialized to humans.  The shelter put down 83 cats deemed unadoptable and 96 unadoptable dogs last year — again, lower than 2007’s numbers of 118 cats and 155 dogs. The number of feral cats euthanized at the shelter in 2008 was 391, nearly 50-percent fewer animals than the 720 that were put down in 2007.

Close to 600 animals were adopted last year, while 416 were reclaimed by owners and 344 were transferred. A few died while at the shelter and one dog escaped.

Total euthanasia numbers for all types of animals brought into the shelter was 588. In 2007, a total of 1,156 were put down.

“Our volunteers are the ones that have made the difference in our reduction in euthanasia, simply by transferring animals,” MPD Officer and Shelter Supervisor Mike Duncan said Friday.

Volunteers also helped out cleaning kennels and providing foster care for baby kittens. Despite the recession, with welcoming, open arms this animal control shelter has made dramatic changes in only one year!

Amazing.

Keep up the great work!