According to city dog catcher David Kellis’ records, in 2013, a total of 399 dogs were taken in at the city shelter, and 195 — almost one third of the dogs — were euthanized. Since Bogalusa Mayor Wendy Perrette was sworn into office on Dec. 31, 2014, only approximately 18 dogs have been “put down.”

“Dogs shouldn’t have to be killed because humans are irresponsible,” she said.

“Kill shelters are not popular, and they’re costly. You should spay or neuter your dogs and cats.”

Now, the only animals that are euthanized are the severely injured, those that are extremely ill, or those that present a danger to others. Perrette credits that to the partnership between her administration, and a group of animal advocates from the Magnolia Chapter of the Humane Society of Louisiana, a 501(c)(3) organization.

As an animal rescue group, Magnolia doesn’t have a shelter, but does foster dogs and cats. Magnolia also tests the dogs for heartworms, provides medications for those that need it, and ships the unneeded dogs “up north where they spay and neuter their dogs,” Perrette said.

Since February of 2009, the Magnolia Chapter also has been sponsoring a high volume, low cost spay/neuter program. Dogs can have the surgeries for just $65, and cats can have them for only $35.

The Magnolia Web page says that more 9,500 dogs and cats have been spayed/neutered in that time period. They advise people who are interested in scheduling to call 985-241-4290, and ask for up to three weeks to respond.

Perrette said that in 2017, “Magnolia pulled 90 dogs out of the Bogalusa animal shelter,” and that eases the mind of the animal-lover who has the utmost municipal responsibility.

To rescue a dog or cat from the Bogalusa Shelter, call Kellis at 985-516-2054, and fill out an adoption form for $10. State law requires that a citizen has 30 days to get a dog or cat spayed or neutered.