The Bismarck-Mandan Animal Impound typically holds animals 14 to 30 days before euthanizing them, Lt. Randy Ziegler said.

He said North Dakota law requires animal impounds to hold animals four days prior to euthanizing them, but the Bismarck-Mandan impound goes beyond that.

In 2007, 144 animals were euthanized, and 84 have been put down so far in 2008, he said. That is less than 10 percent of all animals that come through the facility, Ziegler said. He said the majority of the animals are adopted or claimed by their owners. The number of animals euthanized also includes sick animals and feral and wild cats.

Pet adoption groups in Dickinson were angered last week after 22 animals at the city pound were euthanized due to overcrowding.

- Jenny Michael