Fayette County changes animal shelter kill policy

Despite a packed audience opposed to the plan, the Fayette County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 July 13 to change the euthanasia policy at the animal shelter.

The shelter may now destroy animals who have been at the facility more than 30 days, after notifying rescue groups 10 days beforehand. The shelter will be considered “at capacity” when 75 percent of its cages are occupied, to allow space for emergency intakes.

Steve Brown dissented, saying he was “really downhearted” that an amendment by Randy Ognio scuttled six months of progress on another draft policy formulated in consultation with animal welfare groups. Brown left the meeting after the vote.