Animal control's 100% kill facility celebrates empty kennels (Photos)

Less than a handful of volunteers have decided that certain death will no longer be an option for animals in their town. In two months, they have managed to take a 100% kill facility to a euthanasia-free facility. And they don't expect to slow down any time soon.

For so long in Hearne, Texas, animal control was a meager 8 kennel holding facility. Strays and unclaimed family pets were euthanized after the state required 72 hours any time the 8 kennels were full. Why?

Like many rural towns and municipalities, there simply isn't enough money to fund a public shelter, much less a staff to run it. So, animal control took in the animals and were forced to euthanize them, because there was no plan in place for where the animals would go after the holding period. Without a clear adoption plan, or the staff to carry it out, strays and family pets that were unclaimed (or unclaimed in time) were euthanized.

That is, until now.

A couple of people got permission to stand up and take charge of putting a plan in action. Because funding and staffing lacked, the facility wasn't open to the public, so people would have to make appointments with animal control or the police department to see the animals.

Not anymore.

These volunteers hit the ground running and never looked back.

As soon as animals were brought in, they didn't wait until the hold was up. They immediately took to social media in hopes that the owners would claim their beloved pet. When that didn't happen, they punched into high gear and furiously networked, blitzed sites online, and tried everything they could to get animals adopted... and it's working.

In the triple digit Texas heat or when kennels are full, they work with vets to board those closest to adoption to avoid euthanasia. In cases of neglect, like Phoenix the pit bull who is so emaciated and riddled with heartworms and intestinal parasites that they weren't even sure he would survive the first night, the took to online fundraising to cover vet bills.

Last week, the Hearne animal control facility that has been 100% kill, celebrated two months euthanasia free. When a picture was posted of all eight kennels empty on Facebook, it was if you could hear a pin drop--except that other rescues and Facebook followers were cheering (and crying happy tears).

Other rescues have sent in tips and tricks of how to raise funds, how to network better, or links to other rescues that might can take in some of the animals. But clearly, it's the animals who are benefiting the most.

The takeaway? All it takes is for people to step up and say they will no longer allow thousands of animals to die without a fight. It takes volunteers and everyday people in the community to say enough is enough. If you feel that thousands of nameless strays and pets (waiting anxiously in their kennels just longing to see their humans walk through that door) should not have to die in a shelter, look at Hearne. A couple of volunteers drew a line in the sand and said, "No more." And that's exactly what has happened since the day they stood up.

To follow the page run entirely by the Hearne, Texas volunteers, check out their Facebook page.

If you would like to follow Phoenix's journey or contribute to his care, check out his Facebook album.

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The author, April Plemons, is an animal rescuer and welfare advocate. She is part of Long Way Home Animal Sanctuary & Pit Bull Rescue. Check out their Facebook pages below!

Long Way Home Animal Sanctuary

Long Way Home Pit Bull Rescue

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Have a story idea? Does your organization have a case that needs more attention or publicity? Contact me directly at april@mylongwayhome.org.

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