LMAS Offers Special Dog Adoption Rate

Facing two additional cases of distemper in dogs that were discovered over the holiday weekend, Louisville Metro Animal Services is offering a special rate for adoption until 6 p.m. Tuesday.Last week,  a 4-year-old Jack Russell Terrier died while in quarantine at the department's troubled Manslick Road facility.  However, two other dogs were also infected with the canine disease after staff members failed to properly vaccinate the infected dog.The city has sent out e-mails calling on residents to adopt a dog or puppy at the shelter for $9, but critics have said this is another example of mismanagement at the department."The place is full of families adopting today," says Chris Poynter, a spokesman for Mayor Greg Fischer. "We had a total of three distemper cases—but have stopped the spread, due to the proactive work of MAS staff and volunteers. All dogs have been vaccinated against distemper."However, LMAS officials have admitted staff failed to follow proper procedures and the terrier should have been vaccinated before entering the shelter. Those Metro employees have been disciplined.