JASPER, Ala. (WIAT) - The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is underway ... a glimpse at the very best pure breeds in the world.
However a bit of controversy this year with the show cutting ties with longtime sponsor, Pedigree, because of their sad pound puppy commercials.
Supporters say the ad campaign controversy is actually helping bring more attention to the animals that need it.
Workers at the Walker County Animal Shelter say these are just the kind of images people need to see. The shelter takes in 20 animals a day ... and will put down at least sixty this week alone. Out of the five thousand animals brought in this year ... workers say only about five hundred will be adopted ... the rest euthanized.
Meanwhile, the Kennel Club says they want viewers to associate their show with a celebration ... not scared and lonely pound puppies. But Pedigree stands by it's adoption message, saying their graphic ads force people to not look away from the problem ... four million animals left in shelters each year.
State wide an estimated 150-thousand animals will be taken to shelters this year ... about 120-thousand will be euthenized.
All of the dog's seen in Melissa's story at the Walker County Animal Shelter are available for adoption. The shelter is located on Birmingham Avenue in Jasper. 205-221-6621
Pedigree Foundation information www.pedigree.com
