WINNIPEG - March 1, 2012 - Animal Services Agency officials are pleased to report that adoptions were up over 100 per cent since 2008, making 2011 one of the best years in its history. In 2011, 505 dogs were adopted versus 235 in 2008.
| Galaxy A young Boxer mix up for adoption at Animal Services |
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Animal Services uses Winnipeg.ca, Petfinder.com, and Facebook to promote adoptions and special events. Visitors can view pictures and videos of all dogs available for adoption online. The implementation of "dog adoption sales" in 2011 also helped increase adoptions.
Of the 1,538 dogs impounded in 2011, only 92 were euthanized. 25 of these dogs had bitten someone. In 2008, 328 dogs were euthanized. 31 of those had bitten someone. Euthanizations primarily include terminally ill, biters, and very aggressive dogs.
In 2011, 94% of the dogs that entered Animal Services were either reunited with their owner, adopted out, or sent to a rescue or animal shelter.
Stray dogs of all temperaments and health condition enter Animal Services.
Staff make every effort to save as many dogs as possible. Skittish dogs are placed in foster homes for extra socialization, while sick and injured dogs receive advanced medical care. Animal Services also has a large volunteer program where adoptable dogs are socialized and walked daily.
In 2011, Animal Services Officers responded to 12,121 calls for service versus 5,862 calls in 2008. Winnipeg residents can call 311 to report most animal issues. In 2011, the 311 Contact Centre reunited 601 lost dogs wearing current licenses without those dogs ever having to enter the Animal Services' facility.
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2011 marked the roll out of Zero Tolerance dog licensing and Winnipeggers responded. 61,163 dogs were licensed in 2011 versus 36,279 in 2008.
License revenues are used to help protect dogs and provide the essential service of animal control in Winnipeg which includes:
- A facility for the care of stray dogs.
- Reuniting stray dogs with their owners including a "Free Ride Home" program.
- A fleet of vehicles for pickup of stray dogs including dogs that have attacked people and children.
- Animal Services Officers to help resolve neighbourhood disputes involving animals.
- Emergency services including attending house fires, car accidents, and police assists to help in the removal of dogs.
- Emergency veterinary care.
- An Adoption Program at Animal Services which allows adoptable dogs to be adopted to new families instead of being euthanized.
For more information or to view pictures and videos of dogs up for adoption visit: Winnipeg.ca/animalservices or the Animal Services Facebook page.