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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Tonya Terreros is serving as interim director of the Chilton County Humane Society.

Terreros was introduced during the Humane Society’s board meeting on Jan. 5.

Former director Kimberly Ruck recently resigned from the position.

Board president Katherine Reece said Terreros would be named the director of the shelter when she completed her euthanasia license.

“In the state of Alabama, the director has to hold a euthanasia license,” Reece said.

Board member Bill McCay asked how long it would take for Terreros to get the needed certification. Reece explained that the interim director would have to attend a two-day training and pass a test.

Pet Haven currently handles euthanizing animals for the shelter, and would serve as the required licensed supervisor for Terreros during the three-month provisional period following her passing the test.

Board member Kristi Hyche said there were upgrades that would need to be made at the shelter before it could be approved to euthanize on site.

“They will provide us with a checklist,” Reece said.

The shelter had considered this option under the previous director, but did not have the funding at the time to cover the application to license the shelter for on-site euthanasia.

“Now we have those funds, but we are going to have to get Tanya certified,” Reece said.

Reece said having eye wash stations, fire extinguishers and a dedicated room for euthanasias were among the requirements.

“Our euthanasia rate for 2016 was 41 percent, which is higher than any of us want, but so everyone is clear, the state average is 80. So, we are well below the state average,” Reece said.

In December, 164 animals came to the shelter and 44 animals were adopted.

Also during the meeting, the board welcomed Tracie Robitaille as its newest board member to fill a vacant position.

“Tracie has been a volunteer for a long time with us. I am really looking forward to working with her,” Reece said.

The board discussed having a committee to organize volunteers for upcoming fundraisers, such as the Easter fundraiser. Reece also said she would like the shelter to have a junior volunteers program for high school students. Reece said she would like to find a responsible student who could oversee the junior volunteers.