Georgia ranked fifth for the number of animals euthanized in shelters last year

A national organization that works with local animal shelters says Georgia ranked fifth for the number of animal euthanized in shelters last year. Best Friends Animal Society says shelters in georgia killed more than 19,000 cats and dogs in 2023 that had been to shelters and were never adopted. Texas leads the nation, followed by California, North Carolina and Florida. But shelters do have success in placing thousand of animals. The organization estimated nearly 146,000 dogs and cats were saved last year, which represents a save rate of 80%. Best Friends Animal Society is working to eliminate the practice of euthanizing animals by 2025. Right now 68 of165 shelters in Georgia are considered no kill shelters.