4:20 p.m.
ALACHUA COUNTY - This year (2006) Alachua County Animal Services has attained a very significant milestone. For the first time in the history of the animal shelter they have actually adopted or returned more animals to their owners than they have had to euthanize.
Although there are still a couple of days left in the calendar year, Animal Services has received in excess of 8,500 animals this year. They have adopted, transferred, relocated or returned to owners 4,760 animals. This represents a live release rate of 56%, a feat never before achieved by this organization.
The corresponding euthanasia rate for the year has been 44%.
Alachua County Animal Services has adopted, transferred, relocated or returned 2,600 of the 4,760 animals, i.e., 55% of all live released animals. Community partnerships have significantly aided their efforts. Without these community partnerships this accomplishment would not have been possible.
The Alachua County Humane Society, one of the Maddie's Fund Partners assisting Animal Services in reaching their goal to end the euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals, has also achieved a milestone heretofore unmatched. The Humane Society has transferred 1,000 animals from the shelter this year. This is the first time a single organization in Alachua County has transferred 1,000 animals for adoption.
Ray Sim, Director of Alachua County Animal Services said, "We wish to express our thanks and appreciation to all of our community partners for their assistance in achieving this success. We want to especially congratulate and thank the Alachua County Humane Society for their individual achievement."
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