Target Zero pyramid

THOMASVILLE — Animal shelters often look to eliminate euthanizations and to find forever homes for every animal that falls into its care.

At a Tuesday meeting at the Thomas Country Board of Education auditorium, 200 N. Pinetree Blvd., Target Zero, a Jacksonville, Florida, foundation, will explain how to reduce animal shelter intake and increase the number of animals saved in Thomas County and surrounding areas The 6 p.m. event is free and open to anyone who wants to be part of the solution.

“If you follow their plan, you can’t fail,” said Carol Jones, board member emeritus of the Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society.

According to the Target Zero pyramid of activities, policies and procedures can result in more than 90 percent of animals going to shelters leaving alive.

The local shelter’s live release rate is 30 to 50 percent.

One of the most significant means to reduce the problem is sterilization of animals.

“First of all, you don’t let the animals reproduce. You find ways to prevent animals entering shelters,” Jones said, adding that rampant reproduction is a huge part of the answer.

Jones is executive director of the South Georgia Low-Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic and chairman of the board of the adjacent Miss Kitty Feline Sanctuary & Adoption Center.

An animal safety net requires participation by the entire community, Jones said.

She added dogs with behavior problems or animals whose owners can no longer afford to feed them should be a community-wide concern.

Jones said the base of the Target Zero pyramid is animal-related ordinances.

A City of Thomasville ordinance in force now says that if a chained animal has access to shelter, food and water, the situation is not against the law.

“We need ordinances that will dispel tethering animals,” Jones said.

Animal foster care and volunteer programs also are needed, she said.

Jones described Southwest Georgia as a “hot spot” in animal welfare concerns.

“It’s all about knowing where your problems are and dong something about it,” she said.

Target Zero officials will visit local animal facilities and animal rescue groups before the Tuesday meeting.

The animal welfare foundation also will take its message to Valdosta and Augusta next week.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820