Full animal shelter triggers ‘urgent’ call for adoptions

As fewer animals are euthanized at the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center, its kennels are near capacity and the shelter is struggling to find permanent homes for adoptable pets, according to the county.

The need is “urgent,” according to a call put out by Bob Gruhl, interim director of the Animal Resource Center (ARC).

“Our citizens care deeply about animal welfare. We’re hoping we can activate that support system and get as many of these dogs into their permanent homes as soon as possible,” Gruhl said.

A shelter count shows the ARC began January with 148 dogs and 18 cats and ended the month 179 dogs and 27 cats.

The shelter came under heavy scrutiny last year by animal welfare advocates for having a low live-release rate, a benchmark that has improved in the months following an independent review of the facility and the replacement of a longtime shelter director in December.

Last month, an adjusted total of 23 dogs and 5 cats were euthanized at the shelter due to untreatable conditions or on request of an owner. During January 2018, those respective numbers stood at 98 and 36.

Shelter employees are currently working with area rescues and other organizations to find suitable housing for all available pets, according to the county.

“Our goal is to find loving homes for all these pets,” Gruhl said. “We’re looking to the community to help us spread the word.”

The shelter has also been subject to lawsuits, including a case alleging neglect in preventing the dog-mauling death of Klonda Richey in 2014 and the destruction of records related to the case. A trial in the wrongful death lawsuit brought by Richey’s estate was set to begin in March but is now scheduled for October, according to recent court documents.

Dog adoptions from the Animal Resource Center cost $20, which includes spay or neuter, micro-chipping, initial vaccinations and the first-year license fee.

The ARC will host an adoption event on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the shelter. Citizens will be able to adopt for free, according to the county, which will provide further details.

The ARC is located at 6790 Webster Street in Dayton. Hours of operation for adoptions are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.