Shelter open house Saturday

Friday, December 14, 2012

— Washington County officials hope a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house for the animal shelter will spur adoptions at a facility running at near capacity.

The ceremony and open house is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at 801 Clydesdale Drive behind the Juvenile Detention Center.

“I would encourage all of you come and tour the facility,” said Angela Ledger, the shelter’s new director. “It’s a great place.”

The shelter opened Sept. 17 and 406 animals were accepted through Nov. 30, according to statistics released this week.

Residents surrendered 43 and animal control officers picked up the rest. Sixty-four animals were adopted and 83 were sent to northern areas of the country.

“They have shelters without overcrowding populations like we do here,” Ledger said. “We send them a list of our animals.”

The shelter euthanized 40 animals of which 33 were sick or injured, three after rabies testing and four that were considered vicious.

Pet owners reclaimed 25 and 23 were sent to foster homes.

Despite an open house event that touts photographs with Santa Claus, County Judge Marilyn Edwards warned this week about holiday adoptions.

“The main thing is people don’t need to adopt a dog to give for a Christmas present,” Edwards said. “That’s the worst thing that could ever be done. If someone wants a dog, they need to be sure that’s what they want. Don’t give it as a present to surprise someone.”