Fayette County shares 2019 animal shelter numbers

Fayette County has released intake, release rate and other figures for its animal shelter operations in 2019.

The department, whose facility is in southern Peachtree City, says it took in 966 mostly domestic animals, including 563 dogs and 350 cats. Last year, 145 dogs and 126 cats were adopted at the shelter, while 302 dogs and 19 cats were reclaimed by their owners. Three dogs and 12 cats either died under shelter care (at the vet) or were euthanized there. An additional 120 dogs and 216 cats were released to several local nonprofit rescue groups for further care and adoption. The shelter keeps strays for five days before making them available for adoption; those not adopted within 30 days can be euthanized or released to rescue groups, although Shelter Director Jerry Collins said “many” cats and dogs are kept longer than 30 days.

Despite plans to enlarge the shelter, Collins said the county has “no plan” to take in animals voluntarily surrendered by their owners.