A study examining the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA showed mixed results.

Karel Minor led the independent study, which Rockingham County leaders commissioned. He said the facility euthanized 6.8 cats per every 1,000 taxpayers supporting the local shelter. That's more than double the second-closest shelter in Virginia.

Minor said, "It means animals are being euthanized that probably don't need to; others have found ways not to euthanize those animals."

He said the shelter's website and adoption protocols are out of date. On the other hand, his report said the shelter is on par statewide with dog euthanasia rates. He called the facilities "spectacular" and complimented what he called the "caring staff."

The results were officially revealed during a meeting at the Harrisonburg City Council chambers. Some at Thursday's meeting were unhappy with the results. Diane Clutteur said,"I don't think the SPCA is going to follow though; they never have."

Denise Spitler said,"Of course you know when you're going to have an evaluation, you're going to be on board and you're going to have your 'A' game."

Minor said he thinks the shelter could turn it around within the next two years: "We think if the community supports them in that and applauds them in their successes the way some are going after them in their failures, we think they are really going to be able to make some great strides."