From The Aiken Standard
Submitted ArticleFriends of the Aiken County Animal Shelter's vision is that the Aiken County Animal Shelter never has to euthanize an adoptable pet. The current euthanasia rate is about 74 percent, so it might seem like an unrealistic fantasy but FOTAS was created in the image of another FOTAS/county team that helped its community transform animal services.
In 2009, it was obvious that Aiken County Animal Services would benefit greatly from a nonprofit animal advocacy partner. Deputy County Administrator Todd Glover suggested that we look at Jackson County, Ore., a case he had encountered in his public administration research. Friends of the Animal Shelter Inc. of Jackson County became our role model.
Just to demonstrate that we are comparing apples with apples: Jackson County has a population of 192,992, is 2,785 square miles, has a median income of $42,027, and, in 2010, its shelter took in 5,157 animals; Aiken County has 160,099 people in 1,073 square miles, a median income of $45,769, and, in 2010, the county shelter took in 5,509 animals.
In 2009, it was obvious that Aiken County Animal Services would benefit greatly from a nonprofit animal advocacy partner. Deputy County Administrator Todd Glover suggested that we look at Jackson County, Ore., a case he had encountered in his public administration research. Friends of the Animal Shelter Inc. of Jackson County became our role model.
Just to demonstrate that we are comparing apples with apples: Jackson County has a population of 192,992, is 2,785 square miles, has a median income of $42,027, and, in 2010, its shelter took in 5,157 animals; Aiken County has 160,099 people in 1,073 square miles, a median income of $45,769, and, in 2010, the county shelter took in 5,509 animals.
That same year Jackson County euthanized 0 adoptable dogs and 17 cats. Aiken County euthanized 1,974 dogs and 2,001 cats. Most of those dogs were adoptable and, if we could keep them healthy, a large portion of the cats would have been, too.
So if Jackson County can do it, how can Aiken?
It is all in how FOTAS executes its mission: to improve the quality of life for shelter animals; to increase successful pet adoptions; and to promote responsible pet guardians who spay/neuter and provide for healthy pets.
Presently, FOTAS is focused on the relationship between the quality of life for shelter animals and successful pet adoptions.
The current county facility is grossly overcrowded and incapable of providing a safe, humane environment for the animals and staff who care for them or the kind of destination that entices the public to choose their next pet from the shelter.
The Aiken County Animal Shelter turns no one away, so there are hundreds of lovely, loving pets to be found in wonderful colors, shapes and sizes, all hoping for a forever home. If theses animals don't make it into the very limited adoption areas (17 cages for dogs, and 20 cats and kittens in the colony), and their mandatory five days are up, they die to make space for the new arrivals.
FOTAS recently brought in a national shelter expert to assess the situation and advise Aiken County how it can most efficiently and effectively fulfill its legal and moral obligations to the public and furry friends without voices. This professional's analysis and recommendations presented some serious questions and a critical challenge.
Is Aiken prepared to do what it takes to live up to the image of an animal-friendly community? This is the community shelter. These animals reflect community values.
Jackson County and FOTAS Oregon have formed a partnership, rallied their community, and virtually eliminated euthanizing adoptable pets. They have a shelter and shelter program which invites community involvement.
If they can do it, so can we. Please help.
FOTAS volunteers work with the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 411 Wire Road. For more information, email info@fotasaiken.org or visit www.fotasaiken.org.
So if Jackson County can do it, how can Aiken?
It is all in how FOTAS executes its mission: to improve the quality of life for shelter animals; to increase successful pet adoptions; and to promote responsible pet guardians who spay/neuter and provide for healthy pets.
Presently, FOTAS is focused on the relationship between the quality of life for shelter animals and successful pet adoptions.
The current county facility is grossly overcrowded and incapable of providing a safe, humane environment for the animals and staff who care for them or the kind of destination that entices the public to choose their next pet from the shelter.
The Aiken County Animal Shelter turns no one away, so there are hundreds of lovely, loving pets to be found in wonderful colors, shapes and sizes, all hoping for a forever home. If theses animals don't make it into the very limited adoption areas (17 cages for dogs, and 20 cats and kittens in the colony), and their mandatory five days are up, they die to make space for the new arrivals.
FOTAS recently brought in a national shelter expert to assess the situation and advise Aiken County how it can most efficiently and effectively fulfill its legal and moral obligations to the public and furry friends without voices. This professional's analysis and recommendations presented some serious questions and a critical challenge.
Is Aiken prepared to do what it takes to live up to the image of an animal-friendly community? This is the community shelter. These animals reflect community values.
Jackson County and FOTAS Oregon have formed a partnership, rallied their community, and virtually eliminated euthanizing adoptable pets. They have a shelter and shelter program which invites community involvement.
If they can do it, so can we. Please help.
FOTAS volunteers work with the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 411 Wire Road. For more information, email info@fotasaiken.org or visit www.fotasaiken.org.
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Your comments and input are always welcome. We appreciate any suggestions or thoughts that will help FOTAS with their goal to help the Aiken County Animal Shelter become a happy, healthy place that never has to euthanize an adoptable pet.