Journal-News.com

TRENTON — In his ideal world, Leland Gordon would be out of a job.

The executive director of the Animal Friends Humane Society said he longs for a time when responsible pet ownership will eliminate the need for animal shelters. But he'll settle for a lot less.

"I wish we came to a day when the norm was people who want to get a pet go to their local animal shelter or rescue group," Gordon said.

In reality, unwanted animals far outpace adoptions in Butler County. Every day, Gordon deals with overcrowding at the area's only open-admission animal shelter.

The Trenton shelter accepts all dogs and cats, even the most aggressive ones.

Each year the shelter takes in 7,000 to 8,000 animals. About 4,000 are euthanized.

"It's a life or death situation here that we don't like dealing with," he said.

Since Gordon took the job, he has attracted worldwide attention to Butler County with animal cruelty cases that have shocked the public.

"I get joy out of talking about animal cruelty issues in the community," Gordon said. "The most rewarding part is when we are working on changing laws."

After Gordon spoke to the Middletown City Council, asking the city to change its laws on tethering, the council in March passed new laws prohibiting dogs from being chained outside.

He also made a big impact on the future of abused, neglected and stray animals by gaining support for a tax levy to fund construction of a new shelter. Passed in November, the new shelter on Princeton Road in Hamilton will be three times the size of the existing facility. It also will allow more dogs to live a little longer to await possible adoption.

Gordon said adoptions have doubled since he took his job three years ago.

The shelter is now open seven days a week, allowing more time for people to search for their missing dogs and cats or see adoptable animals. Its Web site, animalfriendshs.com, features available pets and links to adoption sites.

Gordon also started an e-mail newsletter, which now reaches 1,800 in-boxes. And a different animal is featured weekly on local TV news and radio and in newspapers.

He also has expanded on his main focus to educate the public and get more animals spayed and neutered.

Gordon said his goals for the near future include a smooth transition into the new shelter. He also plans to expand community outreach and wants to host monthly adoption fairs with local rescue groups.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2551 or mengle@coxohio.com.