LAS VEGAS -- Workers at Lied Animal Shelter said they've come a long way since 1,000 animals had to be put down last year. But now there are new concerns about the short amount of time animals are kept alive until they're euthanized.

Lied Animal Shelter holds animals until their rightful owners claim them, but if strays fail either behavior or medical testing after 72 hours, they're put down.

"If there would be more people spay and neuter their animals, then we wouldn't be forced to euthanize," said Darin Landrum with the Animal Foundation.

To prevent a pet from being euthanized, shelter officials recommend placing a chip in your animal. If more people would identify their pets, 30,000 animals in Las Vegas would not have to be put down every year, officials said.