By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Humane Society had a less than 1 percent euthanasia rate in April, according to a report presented during the Humane Society board meeting on May 10.

There were 194 animals brought into the shelter with 141 of them were owner surrenders, 32 were strays, and 20 were brought in by animal control. During the same month, there were 27 adoptions, 133 animals went to rescue, three were returned to owner and 12 were euthanized.

When an animal goes to a rescue, the shelter keeps track of where it goes. During the May meeting, Jennifer Fesmire presented a report on which animals went where.

The shelter is also looking into options to get more cats adopted by participating in adoption events at PetSmart and Tractor Supply Co.

Shelter director Tonya Terreros said many of the dogs can be sent to rescue organizations, but there is not the same option for cats.

The board is also looking for additional members and volunteers for future events.

Membership in the Humane Society of Chilton County is $25 for individuals, $40 dollars for couples or $50 dollars for businesses. Applications can be obtained by contacting the shelter at (205) 755-9170.

The board hopes to establish finance, health and welfare, volunteer and fundraising committees.

Renee Helms said this would keep the Executive Board from having to do everything.

Although Treasurer Bill McCay could not make the meeting to give the financial report, Board President Lee Helms did bring up some financial issues for discussion.

He said the bank accounts for the animal shelter have been updated with his name, removing the former president’s name. Some final paperwork was being taken care of, so a new debit card would be issued.

Lee and Renee Helms expressed concern that there were people listed on the life insurance the shelter was paying for that no longer worked at the shelter. Renee Helms said the monthly amount was $345 [no comma] but should only be $73 to cover qualifying employees.

“We are doing our own financial assessment right now,” Lee Helms said.

Subaccounts for donations that had been earmarked for specific projects will be created.

He said this is important so the board can know how much money the organization has, where it came from and how it is going to be used.