FROM STAFF REPORTS

More homeless dogs and cats are leaving Shelby County shelters alive and getting into loving homes.

Shelby County increased its live release rate by 10 percent to reach 50.5 percent in the second quarter. Nearly 475 animals were adopted through the second quarter, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced Sept. 29.

The ASPCA has partnered with the Shelby Humane Society and the Shelby County Department of Environmental Services since 2009.

Through the second quarter, 1,171 animals left Shelby County shelters alive, an increase of 106 animals saved than in the same period in 2010.

Shelby County also decreased euthanasia by 29 percent, or 257 animals, as well as the euthanasia rate compared to total intake, which decreased by 10 percentage points from 55 percent to 45 percent compared to the second quarter of 2010.

“To be able to say that both adoptions and the number of live releases are up, and that euthanasia is down, gives us a great sense of pride for the work we’re doing in the community,” said Jenny Miller, executive director of Shelby Humane Society.

Since the partnership began in 2009, the ASPCA has provided more than $200,000 in grant funding to Shelby County.