SA achieves 90 percent 'no kill' status

SAN ANTONIO – For the first time in city history, Animal Care Services achieved a 90 percent "no kill" standard for all animals in December, officials said Tuesday.

According to a news release, the historic high makes San Antonio the largest city in the U.S. to achieve the nationally accepted goal that strives for 90 percent or higher placement for healthy, adoptable animals.

Officials said the city shelter is on track to achieve the goal in January.

"With the help of all of you. Our partners, our volunteers and the entire community," San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Sculley said at a news conference.

Scully said over the years, the shelter has made big progress in the live release rate of animals. In 2006, the rate was at less than 10 percent.

“San Antonio’s No Kill status has never been a destination, but a journey,” ACS Director Kathy Davis said. “This historic record gets us one step closer towards making our city more humane for pets, but it takes the everyday effort from all of us to sustain our successes and build on them.”

With an average intake of 30,000 animals annually, Davis cited positive partnership and collaborations as keys to achieving the goal. Steps to balance animal care and control were also effective.

In addition to finding more homes for animals, ACS is also working to decrease the stray population.

Scully said ACS is performing nearly 60,000 spay-neuter surgeries annually. She said there's an effort to work with neighborhood groups to address issues within their own communities.

"We are impounding stray animals and returning them to their owners," Scully said. "And, most importantly, in the process, hoping to educate the community about responsible pet ownership."

Davis said there are still pets coming into the shelter every day. In fact, there were about 500 animals ready to be adopted on Wednesday.

Davis urged residents to help area shelters, rescues and animal advocates to find pets foster and permanent homes.


About the Authors:

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.

Stephanie Serna is a weekday anchor on Good Morning San Antonio and GMSA at 9 a.m. She joined the KSAT 12 News team in November 2009 as a general assignments reporter.