The Walker County animal shelter earned passing marks in two dozen areas during its latest inspection, conducted last month, records show.

The state Department of Agriculture, in an inspection dated July 18, said the shelter passed on 24 requirements.

The review was routine and did not stem from recent allegations by the Atlanta-based U.S. Animal Protection that some shelter employees have abused animals and used improper euthanasia methods.

“The drug and euthanasia records are accurate, current, and up-to-date,” the inspector wrote in his report.

“In my opinion, the animals coming to the shelter are receiving humane care,” he wrote.

“The shelter averages 5,600-plus animals per year…. Due to the volume of animals coming to the facility, there is a need for community education about spaying and neutering.”

An inspection report dated March 25, 2004, said the shelter failed in the euthanasia category. Reasons included not having a current euthanasia certification sheet present.

At the re-inspection conducted six months later, a current letter for euthanasia was present, certifying two animal control officers.

According to the Georgia Animal Act of 2000, a layman can perform euthanasia if trained and under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or physician. The licensed medical staff does not have to be present for the euthanasia injections.

According to the Department of Agriculture, no complaints about the shelter have been filed with Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin’s office. Irvin’s office is the enforcing entity for any complaints or violations of the state animal act. For more information about the act, visit online at www.cchumanesociety.org.

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