Council considers no-kill shelter

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin City Council will consider designating Town Lake Animal Shelter a "no-kill shelter" on Thursday, declining to euthanize stray animals. Last year the Town Lake Animal Center euthanized more than 12,000 animals. The problem is too many strays -- lost and abandoned pets -- and not enough people to adopt them.

Austin attempted this in 1997, but the effort failed, subsequently losing a $3.9 million grant. Any new program would include more aggressive spay, neutering and adoption programs. To fall into the category of a no-kill shelter, up to 90 percent of the animals must be saved. Right now, only about 56 percent of the stray animals are adopted.

Several animal loving groups try to help find homes for Town Lake’s animals. Austin Pets Alive found homes for more than 700 pets in 2008. They take Town Lake animals to Pet Smart stores seven days a week and hold adopt-a-thons on weekends. The website   provides a complete list of all adoption groups to fit any need.