Euthanasia cases at Midland Animal Services decreased by 25% in October compared to September, according to the agency’s latest monthly report. This reduction contributed to an increase in the live release rate for the month, rising from 73% in September to 79% in October. The year-to-date live release rate now stands at 75%.
The report also showed a rise in adoptions, which went up from 79 in September to 97 in October. In addition to adoptions, there were 67 animals returned to their owners and 119 transfers during the month. Of the 87 animals euthanized, medical reasons accounted for 25 cases, behavior issues for 16 cases, and space limitations led to the euthanasia of another 45 animals.
Fix West Texas was identified as the leading partner organization for animal transfers, responsible for handling about 62% of all such cases last month.
Midland Animal Services’ October data indicated a total intake of 420 dogs and cats: with strays making up most intakes at 360 animals, followed by owner surrenders (41) and seized animals (19). There were no returns or transfer-ins reported for the month.
The length of stay for animals averaged out at just over six days overall: dogs stayed an average of 5.4 days; puppies, kittens, and cats ranged between approximately five and seven days.
Year-to-date figures show that Midland Animal Services has handled nearly five thousand intakes so far this year and completed over one thousand adoptions. The agency’s transfer partners included organizations such as Grand Companions, MASA, Sassy’s Dog Rescue, Midland Humane Society, Trans Pecos, Lonestar, and Whiskers and Tails.
According to Midland Animal Services’ report: “Of the 87 animals euthanized,25 were for medical reasons and 16 were for behavior. Another 45 animals were euthanized to make room for other animals.”
The organization continues efforts with its partners toward increasing live release rates while managing capacity challenges.