(File)

WACO (September 21, 2012)—The City of Waco’s takeover of the animal shelter now operated by the Humane Society of Central Texas is on hold after the city and the society agreed to continue with the existing operating agreement for another two months, the city announced Friday.

The city was poised to take over the shelter at 2032 Circle Road at the end of September and to operate it as a holding facility where animals unclaimed after three days would either be transferred to other shelters or euthanized.

Animal advocates pushed back, however, arguing the so-called 72-hour rule could lead to mass euthanasia.

The two-month delay will “allow for plans to be developed for the city to operate the kennel facility and the society to handle the redemption and adoption of animals,” Waco said in a press release issued late Friday afternoon.

“Together, both the city and the society are committed in providing quality operations of the facility, the return of lost animals, the adoption of unwanted animals, and necessary education encouraging responsible pet ownership,” the press release said.

The shelter’s current contracts with other entities will remain in effect during the two-month period, the city said.