HAMMOND, La. (AP) -- Multiple illnesses and a lack of quarantine space led to the August 4 euthanasia of at least 172 cats and dogs at the Tangipahoa Parish Animal Control shelter. That's according to a report released Monday.

WWL-TV

Along with the report, parish officials announced the reopening of the shelter on Wednesday and several planned changes in its operation, including seeking a new director.

To investigate the mass euthanasia, the parish hired Hammond attorney Glen Galbraith, who interviewed current and former shelter employees and the two local veterinarians called in to examine the animals.

Onsite inspections by the Humane Society of the United States will begin in September as the group prepares to create an independent report on the parish's animal control operations.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)