Detroit Animal Control Making Dogs Available To Rescue, Foster Groups

DETROIT (AP/WWJ) - Detroit Animal Control is partnering with the Michigan Humane Society to make dozens of dogs a month available for transfer to rescue and foster organizations.

The city announced Friday it will post photos of dogs and information about them on a website accessible to approved rescue and foster organizations. The city says that the change will help the city get good dogs, after rehabilitation and training, into good homes.

"The Michigan Humane Society is proud to play a key supportive role in helping Detroit Animal Control expand the placement opportunities for the animals within its care and in doing so create a means by which the rescue community can further assist in caring for Detroit's animals," said Matthew Pepper, President and CEO of the Michigan Humane Society, in a media release. "This is about creating a healthier pet community within Detroit and broadening the safety net for animals in need."

Only dogs that are "reasonably socialized" or have hope of becoming reasonably socialized are eligible for the program, the Michigan Humane Society says. Dogs involved in bite cases, that aren't leashable or that have a long history of being a neighborhood nuisance or safety issue will not be made available.

Animal control has been criticized for its kill rate

Detroit also says it's moving animal control oversight back to the health department from the police department, where it was moved in 2012.

The city also is planning to offer online licensing for pets by Jan. 1.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.