Yolo Sheriff's Animal Services Section Saves 784 Lives During Rachael Ray $100k Challenge

From Yolo County Sheriff's Department

Yolo County Animal Services Shelter finished 5th out of 10 shelters in its division, and 19th out of 50 competitors nationwide, following this summer’s 2013 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge.

The Challenge tested Animal Shelters across the country to increase pet adoption rates and reduce euthanasia rates during the months of June, July and August. Although the Yolo County Animal Shelter did not win a monetary prize, the staff and volunteers rose to the occasion saving the lives of 784 dogs and cats, an increase of 267 lives saved from last year.

“Shelter staff and volunteers worked hard to increase off-site pet adoptions over the summer, but there is still more work to be done in the county to further reduce the euthanasia rate in Yolo County. This is an unfortunate ongoing problem. We’re not going to solve it by increasing adoptions alone.

We must continue to work together to reduce the intake numbers at this shelter”, said Vicky Fletcher, Chief Officer of Animal Services.

National winners of the Rachael Ray $100K Challenge are:

.   The Animal Foundation of Las Vegas, Nevada will take home the $100,000 grand prize in grant funding from the ASPCA. The organization accomplished an increase of 1,055 animals’ lives saved over the same period during 2012.

The following division leaders will each receive $25,000 in ASPCA grant funding:

.   Canyon County Animal Shelter, of Caldwell Idaho, with an increase of 320 lives saved over the prior year – Community Engagement Award.

.   Washington Animal Rescue of Washington D.C., with an increase of 326 lives saved over the prior year.

.   Texas Humane Heroes of Leander, Texas with an increase of 389 lives saved over the prior year.

.   HALO Animal Rescue of Phoenix, Arizona with an increase of 824 lives saved over the prior year.

.   Citizens for Animal Protection of Houston, Texas with an increase of 625 lives saved over the prior year.

All told, the 50 Challenge contestants saved 56,379 animals’ lives over the course of the exciting three-month challenge – a combined increase of 12,050 lives saved compared to the same period during 2012.

Follow the successes of the Yolo County Animal Services Shelter @ http://www.yolocountysheriff.com – click animal service section