Dog euthanasia rate at Walton County Animal Shelter drops for 10th year

Walton County government shared that in 2018, for the 10th year in a row, the dog euthanasia rate at Walton County Animal Control has gone down, dropping to 23 percent, compared to 71 percent in 2008. (This number includes owner requested euthanasia services and dogs euthanized for health and temperament reasons).

The credit for these numbers goes to the director, Bill Wise, and his department. Christy Breedlove wrote an article on Wise and the Walton County Animal Shelter for the latest issue of Walton Living.

“Nationwide stats are alarming. About 56 percent of dogs and 71 percent of cats entering shelters are put down according to the American Humane’s most recent numbers. In metro Atlanta, rates are rising due to budget cuts and population increases. But all these numbers make what Walton Animal Control does more incredible,” Breedlove wrote.

At Walton County Animal Shelter, adoptions are still priced at $40 per animal.

This includes:

• First vaccinationsDeworming for roundworms and hookworms
• Voucher for $15 toward a rabies vaccination
• Discounted spay/neuter informationHeartworm tests, FIV/FELV combo tests.

“With a wide range of networks with more than 100 rescue groups with one from Canada, foster homes, veterinarians and his talent for photography, Wise is able to marshal out many dogs and cats to make room for those who are “less adoptable” i.e. older unaltered larger dogs and cats.  It is his love for animals that keeps Wise going. In fact, he wishes for the day when his department is no longer needed.

“If pet owners would make a dedicated effort to keep and care for their pet as long as it lives, we won’t need animal control officers or shelters,” Wise told Breedlove.

Read the full story in the digital issue of Walton Living Magazine at this link or pick up a copy at the Walton County Chamber of Commerce, one of the libraries in Walton County or at the Monroe Visitors Center.