Ketchikan in recent years has seen remarkable changes in the percentages of dogs and cats that are being adopted rather than euthanized — and in the declining numbers of unwanted or impounded animals entering local shelters.

From 2009 to 2015, the total number of animals entering the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Animal Protection Department shelter system declined from 778 in 2009 to 473 this past year.

Meanwhile, the percentage of animals adopted through Animal Protection increased from 17 percent (131 animals) in 2009 to 45 percent (215 animals) in 2015. The percentages for euthanization dropped from 63 percent (493 animals) in 2009 to 14 percent (67 animals) in 2015.

Those trends reflect positive changes at Animal Protection — in addition to substantial effort by the Ketchikan Humane Society, BARK Alaska Rescue and Southeast Alaska Organization for Animals. The Borough Animal Protection Citizen Advisory Committee continues to be active

We — and the community at large — can appreciate the work of all involved.

The number of unwanted animals is diminishing through local spay and neuter efforts. Policy revisions at Animal Protection have reduced the number of euthanizations there. All of the organizations named above are dedicated to finding good homes for the adoptable animals in their care.

It’s good to see local government, local groups and local citizens working together and independently to address the issues involved in Ketchikan’s dog and cat populations. Progress is being made.

— Ketchikan Daily News,

June 17