KXAN: Austin moves toward no-kill animal city

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Austin moves toward no-kill animal city
City could reach 90 percent save rate in 18 months
Updated: Thursday, 05 Nov 2009, 2:32 PM CST
Matt Flener

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin's City Council took a major step Thursday to make Austin a "no-kill" city for animals.
The council told City Manager Marc Ott to save more dogs and cats from death at the Town Lake Animal Shelter, and the action puts more pressure on city staff, after not reaching its "no-kill" goal in 2002.
The city's Animal Advisory Commission sent a report to the council earlier this year saying the council should adopt a policy of saving 90 percent of impounded animals at the shelter.
Shelter employees put to death nearly 10,000 animals in 2008.
The Animal Advisory Commission said the City of Austin should consider public and private partnerships with various pet organizations and rescue groups around the city.
The recommendations also include directives to staff adoption centers around the city seven days a week and providing more low-cost spay and neuter services.
Another recommendation includes giving police officers microchip scanners and placing those in fire stations as well.
Animal shelter staff would also be required to tell owners dropping off their pets about the high possibility of adoption or death.