By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Chilton County Humane Society board of directors was pleased to hear the low euthanasia rate the shelter has been able to maintain.

For the month of May, the euthanasia rate was 3 percent. Nine animals were euthanized.

“We are at about 10 percent year to date, which is incredible,” board president Katherine Reece said. “That is unheard of for a rural shelter in Alabama. We not only got it but we have been maintaining it.”

There were 287 animals that came into the animal shelter in May. Of these, 185 were surrendered by the owner. There were 22 animals adopted and 155 went to rescue organizations during that same time.

Board member Kristi Hyche and shelter director Tonya Terreros have completed their euthanasia training. The final steps are for the veterinarian that oversaw them to send a letter to the state and the state inspect the facility.

Shelter staff said the facility is at capacity, and they are making more room where they can to accommodate the need.

The shelter has $13, 803 in its accounts, not counting some deposits that had not been made, yet.

The recent Wine Tasting fundraiser for the shelter was a success. Reece said the humane society raised $2,346, not counting the donation from bottles of wine sold during the event.

“We had a packed event,” Reece said.

The financial audit of the humane society is moving forward. Hyche gave an update that they were gathering some more receipts for the auditor. Once the audit is complete it could open up grant opportunities for the humane society. Board member Jeff Melton said he would look into the humane society receiving a grant from the United Way.

The board also heard a report from the board member Amy Nichols reported that she had responded to 13 alleged animal cruelty calls in May.