Following a national trend, the Statesboro-Bulloch County Animal Shelter has seen a significant reduction in the number of cats and dogs being euthanized.
      Bulloch County Animal Shelter Manager Wendy Ivey said since 2008, the shelter has had to euthanize 25 percent fewer animals. He credits the lower numbers to spay and neuter clinics and more responsible owners.
      "There has definitely been a drop in euthanizing over the past years," she said. "We definitely owe that to spaying and neutering of stray and unwanted animals."
      For 2011 about 4 million unwanted dogs and cats will be euthanized in the United States, down from as many as 20 million before 1970.
       There are several reasons: Aggressive adopt-a-pet campaigns are carried out every day in cities all over the country and breed rescues save many dogs. But animal experts believe spaying and neutering has played the biggest role in saving so many lives.
      Although it varies, each week the shelter euthanizes anywhere from 12-38 cats and up to 20 dogs, according to records.
      The shelter requires all people adopting a pet sign a contract and show proof of spaying/neutering, she said.
Sometimes, the pets available are already spayed or neutered.
      "We also are helped greatly by our Ogeechee Technical College Vet Tech program lead by Dr. Janice Grumbles, for spaying and neutering a lot of our animals before they even leave the shelter to be adopted," Ivey said. "The number of animals (the OTC vet tech program euthanizes) has increased every year."
      Bulloch County Public Safety Director Ted Wynn agreed that spay and neuter programs help lessen the number of unwanted animals in the community.
      "Absolutely, they help," he said. "It's unfortunate we have to do even one euthanization. I hope to see these types of programs continue to be promoted."
      Ivey said having to euthanize fewer animals is only one of the bright spots at the shelter. The new facility opened in November.
      "It's been a real blessing to our staff and the furry friends that come in," she said. "It has given us a lot more room and space to be able to house and properly care for all the animals that come in."
      More citizens visit, and more volunteers come in to assist with the animals by exercising and playing with them, she said.
      "Having a new facility helps with noise reduction, aroma issues that arise with having numerous animals in one location and gives a better overall appearance for the animals to have a chance to be adopted into a new home."
      Ivey said staff members make an effort to get as many animals adopted into suitable homes as possible, and no one likes euthanasia. It's a necessary evil that is a last resort, she said. When there is no more room for cats and dogs that citizens bring in or humane officers pick up, putting the "less adoptable" - usually older, more aggressive or feral animals - to sleep is inevitable.
      Making sure the animals are healthy and adoptable involves a system, she said.
      "We have observation holding periods for all the animals where they are observed and checked. Once all is clear with the animal then they are placed for adoption," Ivey said. "We have policies and procedures for the shelter to fall back on if needed, but we don't put a certain time period on any of the animals. We keep them here as long as we can with space availability."
      Ivey is upset by the public image that animal shelters are given because they must euthanize. She believes many people do not visit the shelters due to negative perceptions.
      "People need to share positive experiences that they have had at a shelter with others," she said. "Even though it is a sad time for the animal to have to be in a shelter instead of a home, it is also a good thing that they are here being taken care of instead of being out alone and now being given that second chance to find a home."
      "It is unfortunate that euthanasia is a necessity, but hopefully people will catch on and spay or neuter their pets, and visit the shelter when they are looking for a new companion," Wynn said. "Hopefully one day we won't have to do any (euthanizations)," he said.
      The Statesboro-Bulloch County Animal Shelter is located on Mill Creek Road, off U.S. 301 North, and may be reached at 764-4529. The shelter works with Bulloch County Humane Enforcement, and with local rescues such as the Humane Society of Statesboro and Bulloch, although it is not affiliated with the Society or private rescues.

      Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.