The Lander County Sheriff's Office Animal Control has only had to put down around 10 dogs in the last three years, said part-time animal control officer Art Clark.
The dogs that were euthanized were sick, injured or had behaved viciously, he said. Clark said it is pretty much a no-kill shelter.
According to the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, city and county shelters with low animal euthanasia rates are not the norm.
In Humboldt County, 191 dogs were euthanized in 2013, according to Winnemucca Police Department data.
The HSUS teamed up with HSI to hold World Spay Day on Feb. 25 to increase awareness of pet overpopulation and the importance of people having their pets spayed and neutered.
About 2.7 million cats and dogs - about one every 11 seconds - are put down in U.S. shelters each year, according to the organization.
In the United States, an estimated 6 to 8 million homeless dogs and cats enter shelters every year.
Clark said nearly all of the dogs that come into the local shelter are reclaimed, adopted or sent to rescue organizations outside of the area. Shelter employees make every effort to avoid euthanasia, he said.
He added the numbers of dogs at the shelter range anywhere from just a few to 20 on rare occasions. The numbers spike right after windstorms which blow down fences or open gates.
Animal control posts notices around town of the dogs that are impounded so people can reclaim or adopt them. Anyone whose dog is lost should contact the sheriff's office dispatch right away at (775) 635-5161. Those who are looking for an addition to their family should call that number as well.
Animal control offers microchipping for $25 and Clark strongly urges people to have their pets microchipped.
Animal control does not deal with cats unless it involves a case of suspected animal abuse, which is a felony in the state of Nevada, Clark said. Any time anyone suspects an animal is being abused, this person should report it to the sheriff's office right away at the phone number above. All suspected cases are investigated, he added.
Clark, a dog owner himself, said pets should be treated like part of the family and owners should be sure to keep current on their pets' vaccinations.
He said dog owners should do everything they can to ensure their pets do not get loose since they can get hurt, killed, hit by a car, stolen or picked up by animal control.
"The best thing to do is take good care of your dog," he said. "Accidents happen and dogs sneak out but you just have to stay on top of it as best as best as you can."
Animal control is open seven days a week. To adopt a pet, there is a $40 fee which includes a microchip and a $50 voucher to go toward the dog's spay or neuter.[[In-content Ad]]
