City of Bloomington Animal Shelter Announces Year-End 2013 Statistics

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 10, 2014

For more information, contact:

Laurie Ringquist, Director, Animal Care and Control, City of Bloomington, 349.3870

Adam Wason, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.2489, wasona@bloomington.in.gov

City of Bloomington Animal Shelter Announces Year-End 2013 Statistics

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington Animal Shelter announces its year-end statistics for 2013 showing continued progress in reducing intake and euthanasia and increasing adoptions. The following graphs show the Shelter's intake, adoption and euthanasia statistics from 2004 to 2013.

Records dating as far back as 1978 indicate this is the first time that annual intake is less than 4,000 animals. Reductions in intake can be attributed to aggressive spay/neuter efforts including partnerships with:

• Monroe County Humane Association to provide spay/neuter vouchers to low-income residents

• Pets Alive Spay/Neuter Clinic to offer low-cost spay/neuter surgeries

• Feral Cat Friends who operate a feral cat trap, neuter and return program

Reductions in intake can also be attributed to the Shelter's efforts to assist residents in keeping their animals in the home through programs such as behavior consulting, a pet food bank program and referrals to the Monroe County Humane Association's emergency medical assistance program.

During 2012 the Shelter participated in the ASPCA's $100K Challenge, a three-month competition among 50 shelters nationwide to increase adoptions. The Challenge was very successful and dramatically increased adoptions, resulting in 2,393 in 2012. This was the first time in Shelter history that adoptions exceeded 2,000 in one year. The success of the Challenge and the new programs put in place carried over into 2013 and resulted in again exceeding 2,000 adoptions with a total of 2,216 animals going home to new families.

Participation in the 2012 ASPCA Challenge resulted in the Shelter's lowest euthanasia rate ever. In addition, due to its participation in the Challenge, the Shelter received a grant award which was used to construct a new kitten nursery in early 2013. This nursery provides more space to house cats and keep the most vulnerable population isolated and healthier while they await foster care or adoption.

While euthanasia numbers in 2013 are slightly higher than in 2012, they are substantially lower than any preceding year. Reductions in euthanasia rates are directly correlated to reduced intake and increased adoptions. Most dog euthanasia is due to illness or injuries that can't be treated or aggression issues. Cat euthanasia during the summer months still occurs because space is limited, but that number continues to be reduced each year. Continued spay/neuter efforts will help shrink this number even further.

Bloomington and Monroe County residents can be part of the solution by:

• spaying and neutering their own pets;

• adopting new companion animals from the Shelter;

• becoming a foster parent or Shelter volunteer; or

• donating to the Shelter.

For more information or to find out how to become involved, visit the Shelter's [website|/animalshelter], the [Facebook page|www.facebook.com/COBAnimalShelter] or call the Shelter at 349.3492.