The Olympic Peninsula Humane Society took in 1,719 animals in 2012, an increase of 40 animals from 2011.

Of the animals entering the shelter, 853 were adopted, 402 were transferred to another shelter or rescue group and 119 were euthanized. An additional 345 animals are classified as “other” which includes animals that were reunited with their owners, died at the shelter, were dead on arrival, were stolen or escaped and feral cats which were spayed or neutered and released.

The euthanasia rate for the year was 6.9 percent, a decrease of more than 3 percent from 2011. The decision to euthanize is reserved as a last resort for only the untreatably ill and extremely aggressive animals. No animals are euthanized for space or length of time at the shelter.

“It’s very exciting to see our euthanasia rate continue to drop,” said Mary Beth Wegener, executive director. “Having a veterinarian on staff has had a huge impact on reducing this number. Dr. Suzy Zustiak is committed to maintaining the health of our animals so that we can find them homes or place them with another rescue group.”