The Leitchfield Animal Shelter (LAS) has reached its goal of becoming a no-kill shelter, according to Best Friends Animal Society’s annual report.
The designation indicates the shelter saved 90 percent or more of the dogs and cats that arrived at LAS in 2024.
According to Best Friends Animal Society:
No-kill, as a philosophical principle, means saving every dog or cat in a shelter who can be saved. But it’s helpful to have a way to clearly measure lifesaving progress … and that’s where the 90 percent benchmark comes in.
Typically, the number of pets who are suffering from irreparable medical or behavioral issues that compromise their quality of life and prevent them from being rehomed is not more than 10 percent of all dogs and cats entering shelters. Therefore, we designate shelters that meet the 90 percent save-rate benchmark as no-kill.
“Reaching our no-kill goal is more than a milestone, it’s a promise kept to the animals and our community,” LAS Director Christina Cooper said. “We are honored to have received this plaque recognizing this achievement, but the real award is in every life saved. Our team goes above and beyond for each animal that comes into our shelter.”
Cooper added that the shelter meeting its no-kill goal “wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our incredible community.”
“One of the ways we’ve made this possible is by offering resources to help with the challenges many pet owners face,” she added. “From providing pet food during tough times to offering education on the importance of spay and neuter, we strive to keep pets with the families who love them.”
Cooper also credited FIX Grayson County KY for its key contributions to the shelter.
“Because of their dedication and low-cost spay/neuter services, hundreds of community pets have been fixed, preventing unwanted litters and helping keep animals out of the shelter,” Cooper said. “Together, we’re building a safer, more compassionate community for pets and people alike.”
To learn more about Leitchfield Animal Shelter, click here.
To learn more about Best Friends Animal Society, click here.
(Photo: The Leitchfield Animal Shelter staff with Director Christina Cooper in middle holding No-Kill badge)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
