FRANKLIN COUNTY — Animal shelters in rural counties are taking in more stray dogs and cats than they can handle. As a result, few are making it out alive.
In June and July, the Franklin County Animal Shelter took in 755 dogs and cats. Because there are only 16 pens, the animals are killed in just 72 hours -- the minimum time under state law.
Animal rescue groups say the problem is only getting worse as more people move into rural areas.
"It is a problem, but you have to keep in mind that the purpose of animal control in a local health department is rabies control," says health director Keith Patton. "Many of the animals that we pick up are not adoptable."
Experts agree the main key to solving the problems is spaying, neutering and containing your pets.
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