Athens Dog Shelter Not Fazed by Oprah

Jessica Demczar
jd422505@ohio.edu


The Athens County Commissioners met yesterday to discuss a number of issues, among them, the Athens County Dog Shelter. Rescue volunteer Danielle Stanley talked to them about alternative methods of euthanasia. Currently, the shelter uses carbon monoxide gas to euthanize dogs, but Stanley suggests using lethal injection, as a cheaper, more humane way.

The Athens County Dog Shelter nearly drew national attention several weeks ago. The Oprah Winfrey Show wanted to demonstrate the shelter's euthanizing process. But Sherry Armstrong with the Athens County Dog Shelter explains that she did not want to "euthanize a dog for their entertainment."


Sherry Armstrong with the Athens County Dog Shelter explains why the Oprah Winfrey Show didn't visit Athens.

The Oprah show was originally interested in visiting the shelter after an Ohio University Photojournalim major posted a video on You Tube. It is no longer online. WOUB reporter Sean Balewski spoke with Chris Mackler, the Photojournalism major, and got a behind-the-scenes look at the shelter and why the Oprah show decided not to visit Athens.


WOUB reporter Sean Balewski takes an in-depth look at the Athens County Dog Shelter.

The Oprah Winfrey Show aired "Lisa Ling Investigates the Hidden World of Puppy Mills" on April 4, 2008.

The Athens County Commissioners have not yet decided whether to change the euthanizing method at the shelter. But one thing is for sure - Oprah Winfrey won't be having an effect on their procedures.