Madison County Animal Care and Control Manager Katherine Conder (center) stands with (left to right) Partner For Pets Senior Director Nevalea Fisher, Director Erika Pratte, Rita Prenzler and Chairman Kurt Prenzler after receiving the Newcomer Rescuer of the Year award during the Valen’tails Gala for Partners for Pets on Feb. 9 in Edwardsville. The award recognizes those work hard and are new to helping save and rescue animals.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 21, 2019 

Animal control manager recognized for her rescuing efforts in Madison County 

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County’s Animal Care and Control manager receives honor for her work in increasing the save rates of cats and dogs at the county’s facility. 

Partners for Pets of Troy presented Katherine Conder with its Newcomer of the Year award during its 3^rd annual Valen’tails Gala on Feb. 9. She was given the award for her efforts in reducing the number of animals that are euthanized at county’s shelter and finding rescues to take them in for adoption. 

Chairman Kurt Prenzler praised Conder’s work. He said her efforts during the past year have helped the county move toward its no-kill goal with a more than 90 percent save rate. 

“She’s doing great work,” Prenzler said. 

Prenzler recognized Conder at the County Board meeting Wednesday night and informed board members about the statistics at the county facility. He said that the county’s euthanasia rates in 2016, when he first took office, were 67 percent for dogs and 39 percent for cats; in 2017, 80 percent for dogs and 61 percent for cats; 2018, 92 percent for dogs and 93 percent for cats. 

“We would not be where we are now without all Katherine’s hard work,” he said. 

Conder said that she appreciates the recognition. 

“This is really exciting for Animal Control since the county doesn’t have an adoption center,” she said. “I never expected it. I don’t do this for recognition, but for the animals.” 

Partner for Pets Director Erika Pratte is thankful for all the work Conder and Prenzler is doing in the county. 

“Katherine is changing lives at Madison County Animal Care and Control,” Pratte said. 

She said with her help and the rescue organizations work animals are finding loving homes.  

“Every piece of this is a team effort,” Pratte said. 

Prenzler agreed. He said assistance from the rescues makes saving the animals possible. 

“The goal when I took office was for the county to reach a 90 percent save rate for animals being euthanized,” he said. “We reached it with help from the rescue groups and our goal is to keep saving them.” 

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