A couple of weeks back we noted that the city's Animal Shelter Commission has created the Dallas Companion Animal Project, a task force "charged with developing a blueprint for ending the killing of adoptable animals." And while Nathan Winograd may not be the biggest fan, the project proceeds apace: This morning we received word that it's now accepting public input in the hopes of getting it right. Per the release:
Last year, more than 20,500 animals were euthanized at Dallas Animal Services -- about 75 percent of the animals that were either surrendered by their owners or picked up as strays. The task force is looking for specific suggestions that will lower the number of pets arriving at the shelter, save lives and dramatically improve these odds.To drop your note in the virtual suggestion box, go here. You have till November 25. Oh, and Poling notes: "All suggestions must be constructive and detailed; a working email address must be provided in order for the suggestion to be considered."
"If you know of actual programs and initiatives that have been used successfully in other communities, please contact us," said task force chairman Rebecca Poling. "We're also looking for unique ideas we may not have seen before."
Areas of focus include: decreasing the number of companion animals being surrendered or picked up; increasing the number of lost and stray animals being reunited with their owners; keeping beloved pets with their families; increasing the number of pets being adopted from animal shelters and rescue groups; and increasing support and funding for spay/neuter programs.
And that cat you see above? Says Poling, Mac was brought to the shelter last week, after his owner lost his job and "was no longer able to properly care for him." She writes in a note to Unfair Park that "Mac is one of the lucky ones -- outgoing and friendly, he's now available for adoption from Dallas Animal Services. Anyone interested in adopting can call the shelter at 214-670-8246."
