AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Animal Shelter is hoping to bring down its euthanasia rate.

Last year, state numbers said Augusta Animal Services euthanized almost 1,500 dogs, ranking the worst in the state.

Now, every Monday, the shelter is offering a new program — all pitbull adoptions are free and all adopters also get a free pet bed.

The shelter is also open for an extra two hours.

As of June, Augusta Animal Services has the highest kill rate of any shelter in the state.

On July 17, Director James Hill presented a five-part plan aimed at decreasing those numbers.

‘Save a Pet Monday’ is a part of that plan.

“To have a focus on getting animals out, getting dogs out, getting cats out, and not having to focus have so many resources allocated to taking animals in,” said Hill.

Last week was the first Save a Pet Monday. Hill says the storm put a damper on things.

“We’re hoping to ramp things up. You know, as the weeks go by,” he said.

Other steps include the pet owner’s responsibility when it comes to surrendering animals.

“They have to provide us with at least two forms of documentation showing they have tried other avenues of rescue,” said Hill.

They also encourage microchipping.

If your animal is lost and picked up by the shelter, you can now pay ten dollars to get the animal microchipped rather than the more expensive impound fee.

The shelter also plans to partner with Parks and Rec to put out banners out for missing pets.

But Hill says what they need most is help from community vets.

“They’re the critical components that are going to be pivotal in, you know, getting these numbers down, which is going to result in less euthanasia,” he said.

Hill says the community vets are so important because they provide low-cost animal services.

The last step of the shelter’s plan is to mobilize their adoption van.

It’s back in the shop and he doesn’t have an exact date for when it will be ready.

To learn more about how you can adopt, visit the Augusta Animal Services’ website or their Facebook page.

They’re open on Mondays from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. They are closed on Sundays.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – There’s new information now in the death of a missing Augusta woman.

Shekema Toran, 36, was found dead last week in DeKalb County.

And now the medical examiner there says Toran was killed by a gunshot wound to the chest.

Police say her body was found in a car in a grocery store parking lot at 2385 Wesley Chapel Road.

Authorities say a suspect has been identified and warrants have been secured, but they are not able to release the names at this time. Officials with the DeKalb Police Department say the case is being investigated by the agency’anecy’s homicide assault unit.

Toran was reported missing Aug. 1 with her boyfriend, Barritz Martin.

When authorities were able to call Martin, they asked to speak with Toran.

They say they heard Martin banging on a seat or dash and saying, “Wake up.”

Martin is still wanted by police for questioning.

Toran’s mother said she disappeared after Toran and her boyfriend of two months, Barritz “Danate” Martin, were at the mother’s home.

After an argument started, Martin left the home after Toran’s mother asked him to leave. He returned two hours later to pick up Toran, according to authorities.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Deputies are searching for a suspect accused of aggravated battery and terroristic threats incident on Austin Lane, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday.

Authorities say Robbie Dihn, 30, is wanted for an aggravated battery and terroristic threats incident that occurred in the 2900 block of Austin Lane on July 23. Warrants are on file.

Dihn is described by authorities as 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds.

Authorities say the report is not available at this time due to Dihn being wanted for family violence.

Anyone with information concerning Dihn, please contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1080.

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