The Leitchfield Animal Shelter had a highly successful 2018, as the shelter experienced an 18.8 percent increase over 2017 in animals adopted-out or strays returned to their rightful owners.
“2018 was a good year for the Leitchfield Animal Shelter,” Animal Shelter Director Jessica Williams said. “Intakes are down and adoptions are up, and we also reunited more pets with their owners than in previous years thanks to microchips and the Grayson County Lost and Found Facebook group.”
It appears that the shelter mantra, “spay/neuter/adopt,” is making a positive impact on the community, according to Williams.
In 2018, the shelter adopted-out 840 animals and returned 133 strays to their owners. The shelter sent 403 animals to rescue shelters around the country, and had 264 animals either still under the shelter’s care or with other outcomes.
In a proactive attempt to better the treatment of animals in the county, the shelter seized 22 animals and 1,147 strays last year — Since 2017, the animal shelter, with the assistance of law enforcement and prosecutors, have seized 38 mistreated animals in Grayson County.
Williams added that the shelter currently has three pending animal abuse cases open and “will continue our efforts to enforce the law for the betterment of animal welfare in Grayson County.”
“We would like to thank all of those who continue to volunteer their time or make donations for these animals,” Williams said. “Something as simple as sharing a Facebook post or walking a dog makes a huge difference. We would also like to thank Dr. Todd Ray and his staff at the Leitchfield Veterinarian Clinic for working with the shelter weekly to spay and neuter.”
Williams said that although the shelter has experienced great success, a few changes in operations will take effect this year, including working with a revised city of Leitchfield Animal Control ordinance (currently being prepared by City Attorney Dennis Fentress) and attending an animal control training and shelter practices conference. Williams also said the shelter has established “several new rescue connections” that will be utilized in the coming year.
Of course, volunteers are always welcome at the Leitchfield Animal Shelter, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The shelter is located at 213 William Thomason Byway.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
