Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, the director of the Saint Louis County Department of Health, wants to raise awareness of the program’s performance and the recognition it has received from other animal welfare organizations in recent years.

“Several news stories have raised questions about our Animal Care and Control Program,” said Dr. Gunn, “but by any indicator you use, we are operating one of the finest animal care organizations in the area.  We are also part of a large regional coalition of animal welfare organizations that includes the Humane Society of Missouri and the Animal Protective Association of Missouri and work with over 90 local rescue groups to promote animal adoption.”

In 2012, the Missouri Animal Control Association recognized St. Louis County’s Animal Care and Control Program for being the “Outstanding Animal Welfare Agency” of the year.  Also in 2012, Purina accepted the county program into its “Purina Shelter Program” – the only government-run shelter in the nation to be so honored – and cited its programmatic improvements as the reason for its inclusion.

These improvements began in 2007 when County Executive Dooley proposed and the St. Louis County Council approved a strategic plan to improve the county’s animal care and control program.  Included in that strategic plan were four goals: 1) to increase the number of adoptions; 2) to reduce the number of unnecessary euthanasias; 3) to increase the number of animals the program can handle; and 4) to improve the conditions for animals held in the program’s facilities.

Seven years later all four goals have been realized, said Dr. Gunn.