The implementation of the comprehensive rescue strategy by Animal Care Services Department is underway. The live release rate (Which includes adoptions, rescue, and return to owners) was at a record high of 44% in October 2011 compared to 28% in October 2010. This increase from last year to this year is primarily due to the following increases:
- A 14% increase in Adoptions (326 adoptions to 373 adoptions),
- A 166% increase in rescues (181 rescues to 482 rescues)
- And a 35% increase in Return to Owners (100 returns to 135 returns).
- The number of animals Impounded was also up by 5%
The increased rescue rate is enhanced by a pilot program with San Antonio Humane Society and additional rescues from Austin Pets Alive.
In an effort to continue our comprehensive rescue strategy, ACS conducted sweeps of Area 1 (District 5, 6, and 7) in October resulting in the following:
- 225 hours of volunteers knocking on over 2,000 homes in the area
- ACS impounded 127 animals
- 354 spay/neuter surgeries were performed in Area 1
- Area 1 sweeps is still ongoing and the Department will continue to impound additional animals
The next comprehensive sweep will take place in Area 2. This area consists of District 4 & 5. The sweeps will begin this weekend (November 18th-20th) with comprehensive activities in November and December. Outreach to Area 3, which is District 2 & 3, will begin In December 2011 with comprehensive activities in January 2012.
