GENESEE COUNTY -- Hundreds of animals are waiting to be adopted at the Genesee County Animal Control Shelter. Some, like Maynard the cat, have been waiting for nearly three months.
"He's about 4-years old, already neutered, and he's been here since March 2nd," says Stephanie Lazar, Genesee County Animal Control Chief Officer.
The shelter keeps animals as long it can but many have to be put down. According to a report filed with the State Department of Agriculture, veterinarians euthanized 8,009 puppies, dogs, kittens, and cats at the Genesee County Animal Control Shelter in 2009. That's more than twice the number euthanized in Mid-Michigan's other large counties.
Lazar says the numbers don't tell the whole story. She says the shelter has a high animal kill rate because it euthanizes pets for residents at a rate lower than private vets. Lazar says more than half of the animals put down are brought in by their owners, and that number goes into the shelters statistics.
Another factor adding to the high numbers, dogs that appear dangerous must be euthanized. Also not helping, Genesee County's economy has been hit hard. More and more animals are being dropped off by their owners who are dealing with foreclosure and job loss. If those pets are not adopted, they'll be put down.
Lazar says the shelter is working with volunteers and rescue groups to save more animals. Last year, in April, the shelter euthanized 45 healthy animals because it didn't have room for them. Last month - 3 animals lost their lives due to overcrowding.
