NEWS RELEASE April 3, 2013
Animal Services Contact:
Paula Hunt, Acting Public Information Coordinator, at 541.682.5197, or
Melinda McLaughlin, Public Information Director, at 541.682.5124
Media: Animal Services Manager Kelly Darnell will be available at EPD Headquarters, 300 Country Club Rd for interviews today. Please call 541.682.5197 for arragements.
Eugene Animal Services Progress Report Released
On July 1, 2012 the provision of animal services for Eugene was transferred from Lane County to the City of Eugene’s new Animal Services Program. The program has just released a detailed report about how the first six months of the new operation went and goals for the coming months.
Eugene’s Animal Welfare Officers are providing services seven days a week. They are dispatched by the 9-1-1 Communication Center via a dedicated animal services line. Top calls include dogs at large, dog bites, animal abuse and neglect, and injured animals. Since the transition, new services have been added including the picking up of lost dogs found by good Samaritans, responding to dog barking complaints, and more extensive efforts to get feral kitten populations picked up and adopted.
Eugene dogs are now being issued Eugene dog licenses. Licensing revenue supports the program’s efforts to help lost, neglected and injured animals. Licenses are available at the City of Eugene Spay and Neuter Clinic and the 1st Avenue Shelter both located at 3970 W. 1st Avenue in Eugene, as well as the Eugene Police Department, and many veterinary offices. To purchase online or for more information community members can visit www.eugene-or.gov/doglicense.
In comparison to last year, the First Avenue Shelter now run by Greenhill Humane Society, has experienced a nearly 25 percent increase in the volume of animals, while maintaining a high live release rate of 93% for all animals (97% dogs and 86% cats). Animals are getting adopted faster and the average length of stay has gone down. Many of the dogs that are being brought to the shelter have been neglected, abused or abandoned. In addition to a high live release rate, since July, the shelter has improved shelter conditions, devoted more space to animal care, increased social media presence, and expanded the volunteer program.
Attached, please find the City of Eugene Animal Serviced Six Month Report:
Also, Rida-alongs are availale upon request. Please contact EPD Public Information Office for arrangements.
For Animal services in Eugene:
City of Eugene Animal Services
300 Country Club Road in Eugene
541-687-4060
www.eugene-or.gov/animalservices
1st Avenue Shelter operated by Greenhill Humane
3970 W. 1st Avenue in Eugene
Tues - Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
541-844-1777 www.green-hill.org
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