CHEYENNE (AP) - The Cheyenne Animal Shelter, which euthanized 42 dogs last week because of an outbreak of canine influenza, has decided to treat five other sick dogs rather than put them down.

Meantime, residents concerned about the shelter's decision to euthanize dogs offered a list of suggestions on how the shelter can improve its operations and better handle contagious diseases in the future.

Alan Cohen, director of the shelter, said 18 dogs remain at the shelter and the five that are sick with canine influenza are responding to treatment.

"All these strays are slowly getting better," Cohen said.

The shelter euthanized dogs last week after some local veterinarians and the state veterinarian's office recommended the move to control the spread of the disease. But the action drew criticism from some veterinary experts, humane organizations and local citizens.

In a short statement issued Thursday, Cohen thanked those who have supported the shelter and asked those who have not to stay involved.

"We need help, we need advice, and we need criticism," he said.

On Thursday night, suggestions were offered at a packed meeting organized by concerned citizens.

Suggestions included having a plan in place for dealing with contagious diseases; having the current shelter board resign and electing a new board from among people who buy memberships to the shelter; having a stand-by veterinarian at the shelter for times when the primary veterinarian is absent; having the city take over the shelter; creating rules and procedures checklists for shelter employees; and training staff in dealing with the public.

"If they implement these policies and procedures before there's a disaster, they'll know what to do," said Louise Raimondi, a member of the Concerned Citizens for Humane Treatment of Animals, which sponsored the community meeting and created the suggestions.

Cohen, who attended the meeting, expressed support for the suggestions.

The 18 remaining dogs at the shelter will be under quarantine until May 23. Cohen said they would probably be offered for adoption if experts give the OK.

Cohen said he plans to bring in experts to look at every detail of the shelter's design, operation and staffing in an attempt to prevent future outbreaks.