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Animal advocates protest outside Clayton animal shelter

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Animal rescue volunteers protested outside of Clayton County Animal Control Monday night after they euthanized 64 dogs last week.
 
Channel 2's Carl Willis first reported on this story on the Channel 2 Action News Nightbeat on Thursday evening after rescue groups contacted him about the incident.
 
The shelter says a contagious illness forced them to make the dramatic move.
 
The protesters say the deaths didn't have to happen.
 
"Many of them could have been rescued and they were put down anyway, which is unfathomable," said volunteer Shelby Swatek.
 
Animal Control Commander Andre Jackson told Willis that the decision was made after the dogs showed symptoms including coughing and sneezing.
 
"We have to maintain our focus to make sure these animals are healthy," Jackson said.
 
Willis tracked down the veterinarian who handles euthanasia services for the shelter. Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth Perry said she hasn't been there in a month. But also says she would not have recommended euthanasia.
 
"I don't know any veterinarian that's going to recommend euthanasia versus treating an animal that's sick," Perry told Willis. "That's not normally the way an infectious disease is handled."
 
"We feel like if they had a staff vet this wouldn't happen here. We think the shelter needs to be privatized," said Maria Durough with rescue group Partners for Pets.
 
Willis said animal rescues were happening at the shelter even as the protest took place.
 
One volunteer told Willis the majority of the 64 dogs that were put down could have been saved as well.
 
"We take in very sick dogs and we treat them and get them well and get them into forever homes," said Jennifer Naujokas with Angels Among Us Pet Rescue
 
"Somebody needs to take responsibility for what's happening, to understand that there is an alternative," Swatek said.

Perry told Willis the fact that she hasn't been at the shelter in weeks may have contrbuted to the high number of deaths.

She also says she wasn't aware of any serious infectious disease the last time she visited.