Activist reacts to commissioner's suggestions on animal shelter

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Animal activist Emily Thompson said she’s excited Mobile County Commissioners Connie Hudson and Jerry Carl are making the Mobile County Animal Shelter one of their priorities.

The commissioners recently listed several suggestions and recommendations improve the animal shelter .

Hudson and Carl initiated investigations in February regarding the management and protocol of the animal shelter after 49 dogs were euthanized at the shelter following the discovery that one dog at the shelter had the highly-contagious viral disease distemper.

“I think it’s great that they’re listening and they see the issues and that we need to make changes. Some of the changes they’re recommending are changes we have asked for,” said president of The S.H.A.C.K. Robbie Fitzgerald.

Carl suggested the shelter should not allow drop-offs, but should strictly be used take in stray animals.

Not allowing any animal drop-offs concerns Fitzgerald. She proposes the shelter works closely with animal rescue groups to cut down on the intake numbers, something Carl said he would also like to do.

Photos: picketers protest shelter's actions

“To see some of the things they’re doing, I think it’s going to make a big difference. It’s not going to be tomorrow, I understand that, but it’s going to make the future a lot better at that place,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald said the ultimate solution to cutting back on the intake numbers at the shelter is to spay or neuter your pet.