Humane Society Facing Questions Over Euthanasia Rate

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The number of animals that are euthanized is causing a shake-up at the Michigan Humane Society.

Following up on a story first reported by WWJ in early June:

Four board members resigned over the last few months because of the rejection of a proposed audit, which they believe could help determine why the kill rate is so high. It's about 70 percent, with 17,000 cats and dogs put down last year.

Retired Grosse Pointe Farms investment banker Thomas Mackey recently donated $1 million to help build a new Detroit shelter and is pushing for that audit now. He's offering to pay for that audit and without it he says he'll be reluctant to contribute in the future.

The Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News report Thursday the Humane Society defends its euthanasia policy. The group's CEO Cal Morgan says the organization takes in all types of animals, including abused ones. He says it puts 100 percent of adoptable animals in homes.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)