County animal shelter now a 'no kill' facility

Thirty years ago, dogs and cats at the Flathead County Animal Shelter were more likely to be euthanized than taken into a permanent home.

Nearly 73 percent of animals at the shelter were put down in 1983 — that’s 2,081 cats and 1,910 dogs. In 1989 that number peaked at nearly 75 percent.

Longtime volunteer Myni Ferguson says it was hard to be at the shelter in those years.

“I spent a lot of time being angry,” she recalled. “I would grind my teeth all night long.”

It took decades of work, but those dark days are finally in the rearview mirror.

The shelter is now a certified “no kill” facility. Only animals that are suffering or vicious are euthanized — about 3 percent.

“We’re so proud,” Ferguson said. “It’s unbelievable that we can do this.”

The euthanization rate slowly began to lower in the 1990s, and hit 44 percent by 2000.

“When volunteers started getting involved, changes happened,” Ferguson explained.

The turning point came about five years ago when the euthanization rate fell to 12 percent.

Ferguson said the sharp drop can partially be attributed to three county commissioners — Joe Brenneman, Dale Lauman and Jim Dupont — who “had the foresight” for change.

“They understood this could be a better facility,” she said.

The Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force has played a “huge role,” as well, Ferguson said.

“They got the numbers down to be manageable,” she said.

Fundraising and awareness efforts by the nonprofit Flathead Shelter Friends also helped.

In the early years, there was never money to deal with injured animals brought to the shelter, so they were put down. Today, local veterinarians volunteer time or offer reduced rates.

“It’s more of a community effort now,” Ferguson said. “We couldn’t be where we are without the help of the community.”

In July this year — a busy month at the shelter with the Fourth of July holiday — 134 dogs were brought to the facility, with 45 adopted out and 77 returned to their owner.

One dog escaped, two died and five were euthanized.

Forty-eight cats were adopted out in July. One was returned to its owner and one escaped. No cats were euthanized.

“We do everything we can to get these dogs and cats out of there to a family,” Ferguson said.

For information on how to volunteer or to adopt a pet call 752-1310.