Huntsville Animal Services on track to be state's first no kill shelter

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - Huntsville is on track to be the state's first "no-kill" shelter. It's an ongoing initiative that picked up speed this week when the Huntsville Animal Services got a visit from an expert.

No-Kill Huntsville, a local advocacy group, paid for the CEO of a Nevada Humane Network to fly to Huntsville and help the city with it's goal of adopting out every pet possible.

The goal is for no bark to be silenced, but they'll need a little help to reach that goal.

Diane Blankenburg has an impressive track record, she took a Nevada shelter from overpopulated to no-kill. Now she and her business partner are trying to make it happen at Huntsville Animal Services.

Huntsville is on the right track, saving at least 70 percent.

"They're just not as robust at they need to be to be able to reach all of the goals that they have." said Blankenburg.

It's why Blakenburg is helping the City of Huntsville establish better programs. Things like more promotions and telephone help lines for pet owners who need advice.

Dr. Karen Sheppard said the shelter gets about 20 dogs and cats every day, many of them surrendered by their owners.

Amber Holmes adopted her second dog and understands the responsibilities.

"We came here to give Bam Bam a play mate" said Holmes.

Without community help, the no-kill goal can never become reality.

Over the last several years, Huntsville Animal Services has also offered cheap or even free spay and neutering and it is helping. Less than a decade ago they were taking in about 10,000 pets a year.

That number now is closer to 5,000.

Copyright 2014 WAFF. All rights reserved.