County proclaims ‘4 Paws Unleashed Day’; shelter volunteers report zero euthanasia and dozens of adoptions

Madison County Judge-Executive Reagan Taylor issued a proclamation on Jan. 14, 2025, recognizing 4 Paws Unleashed for work with the Madison County Animal Shelter and designating Jan. 14 as “4 Paws Unleashed Day.”

Members of 4 Paws Unleashed described rapid improvements at the shelter after the volunteer group began assisting staff this year. Ashley, a volunteer leader, told the fiscal court the group documented more than 860 volunteer hours and said that in the most recent month the shelter sent at least 64 animals to rescues and recorded roughly 30 adoptions. Ashley and other volunteers said euthanasia rates have been “at pretty much 0” since they began the effort, a change they attributed to expanded rescue relationships and adoption work.

Volunteers said rescues now pull animals to placements as far away as Rhode Island and Pennsylvania and that they receive photo updates from new owners. County officials praised volunteers’ training of shelter staff to ensure operational improvements persist after the volunteer teams step back.

Why it matters: County officials said the volunteer work reduced shelter euthanasia, increased adoptions and strengthened partnerships with regional rescues. The proclamation recognizes volunteer time and may encourage additional public support or donations.

Court action: The proclamation was read into the record and volunteers accepted the recognition; no formal vote was required.

Source excerpts: Proclamation text read by the judge and volunteers’ comments during the Jan. 14 meeting.