WACO (September 18, 2012)—Animal advocates and supporters of the Humane Society of Central Texas packed the Waco City Council chambers Tuesday evening, to voice concerns about what could happen if the city takes over the society’s animal shelter.

The Humane Society says it plans to turn the shelter over to the city by late next month and some city officials have said it will be run as a holding facility where animals unclaimed after three days would either be transferred to other shelters or euthanized.

The main concern of the advocates seemed to be the so-called 72-hour rule, which they fear could lead to mass euthanasia.

Animal lover and Baylor Professor Sharon Bracken received thunderous applause after speaking during Tuesday's meeting.

"They need to make their plan transparent and I don't think they've done that. I think they really have no plan, and they are just devising one as they go," Bracken said.

"I don't think their goal is kill all the animals, I don't think they really want to do that," Bracken said.

"But by forcing this 72-hour rule...that's kind of archaic."

Council members said Tuesday they’ve had no discussions about the future of the shelter and said no decisions have been made.