By: Blis Savidge
30 homeless cats…10% of them soon to be on the list for euthanasia.
“We try to keep them as long as we can, but when we get full, we have to start realistically making decisions,” said Michelle Frank.
The decision making won’t be necessary if the Athens Clarke County Animal Control Cat Shelter can find homes for these cats.
Frank has been working at the shelter for over a year. She loves her job, but acknowledged it can be tough when the shelter starts overflowing.
The cats being considered for euthaniasia are evaluated based on their adoptability. Health, temperament, and how long they have been at the shelter are all factors that are considered.
Frank stressed that the Athens Clarke County Animal Shelter has a low euthanasia rate of about four to six percent, but that doesn’t make the job easier.
Animal control hopes to see that percentage fall when they move to a bigger location in the next few months. The new shelter will house dogs and cats in the same building and will provide more kennels to house more animals.
“It’s great feeling like you’re making a difference and educating people…We like to find homes for everyone we can,” said Frank.
Click through the picture slideshow above to see some of the shelters most urgent cats available for adoption.
The shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily except for Wednesdays and holidays.
