TOLEDO, OH -- The Lucas County Commissioners approved a measure on Tuesday that temporarily halts euthanizing of puppies at the county animal shelter. 

The temporary ban includes pit bulls, which had been deemed by dog warden Tom Skeldon, to be vicious -- even as puppies. The measure is the result of a recommendation made by the Dog Warden Advisory Committee which was appointed earlier this year to provide oversight and guidance to the dog warden. The ban lasts through the end of the year.

Puppies deemed to be ill by a licensed veterinarian can be euthanized under the measure.

Skeldon resigned effective Jan. 31, 2010 after receiving heavy criticism from animal rights advocates for not working hard enough to increase adoptions through the county shelter and for euthanizing healthy puppies.