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CHARLOTTE -- The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Animal Care and Control Division has released its adoption and euthanization numbers for the 2012 fiscal year and they're reporting some good news.

According to Animal Care and Control, the numbers are going up where they need to go up and down where they need to go down. That comes as a result of fewer cats and dogs coming into the shelter and also more adoptable pets heading out the doors with new owners.

For the 2012 fiscal year compared to the 2011 fiscal year, adoptions and transfers, which are to local rescues or the humane society, are up 8.5 percent. The number of dogs and cats euthanized are down 7.2 percent over the past year.

Melissa Knicely with Animal Care and Control says the fact that the city continues to grow and these numbers are looking better, is some great news.

She said it's due to a lot of factors mainly, the many programs Animal Care and Control, the Humane Society and other local rescues implement that work together toward a common goal. She also says it's due to people being more open to the idea of adopting rescued animals and people becoming more responsible pet owners.

While these numbers are looking better. The biggest concern is the number of animals, this year almost 4,400 cats and dogs, being euthanized.

Knicely says some animals being euthanized are for families who have older dogs, who can't afford to put them down at a vet. But of course, the ultimate goal, is to not have to put down any of these animals when it isn't absolutely necessary.