The city-run Austin Animal Shelter has released intake, adoption and euthanasia data for the month of January. The Shelter had an overall “live outcome rate” of 92% (That’s the percentage of animals that were adopted, fostered, or otherwise cared for and not put down – a percentage in line with no-kill standards requiring a 90% or above live outcomes rate.)
A total of 1,133 cats and dogs were processed by the center in January, with close to half – 505 – adopted out by the city. 251 more pets were reunited with their owners, while another 288 animals were transferred out of the center for longer term care.
However, 83 animals were euthanized – 29 cats and 54 dogs. With dogs outnumbering cats in the shelter, that meant a 93% live outcome rate for dogs, and an 88% live outcome rate for cats.
“January was a challenging month for stray cats,” reads a note in the report. “Six cats we took in were severely injured after being hit by a car, and three more suspected feral cats came in with comparable injuries. Our veterinary services staff, after having made a full evaluation of the extent of the cats’ injuries, humanely euthanized these cats to prevent unnecessary suffering. Overall, 28 cats were euthanized due to immediate medical concerns upon intake, and one cat was euthanized due to aggressive behavior.”
You can view the report online. And if you want to help with those numbers, you can always find a new friend at the shelter itself.
