The Myth of the No-Kill Shelter

Ask any random number of people what the term 'no-kill shelter' means to them and most will probably give one of the following answers:

A shelter that never euthanizes any animal

A shelter that only euthanizes sick animals or those who have uncorrectable behavioral issues

And while the second option is most likely the real definition, most people will answer the first option. Why? Because if you use the term 'no-kill' then people believe no animals are ever euthanized and they all live happily ever after.

In the state of Georgia a shelter is recognized as a no-kill shelter when 90% or more of the animals taken in survive to go to a new home. Euthanasia is reserved for those dogs and cats with monumental injuries, devastating illnesses, or severe behavioral issues that cause them to be a threat to humans or other animals.

But read any social media post where shelters are desperately trying to find homes for dogs with euthanasia deadlines, healthy dogs that would make great family pets, and read some of the comments people make. The person or group making the post for help is often regarded as the most vile low-life sub-human who should burn in Hell for murdering innocent animals. These posts for help are usually created by unpaid volunteers who do this job because they love dogs and cats dearly, and they are devastated when one can't be saved.

ANIMAL SHELTER HISTORY

The first animal shelters were formed in the 1800s to protect horses and other working animals. Their influence soon spread to include dogs in that list, since at that time dogs were working animals. By the early 1900s it became popular to keep dogs as household pets, which led to an increase in the dog population. In the latter part of that century people began considering spaying and neutering their pets as a method to control their procreation. It wasn't until the early part of the 21st century that adopting dogs from animal shelters and rescue organizations became a thing people talked about. Before that you went to a pet store, or the neighbor's dog or cat had a litter. Now there are people who regularly volunteer their time to the care and rescue of dogs and cats.

EMBRACING THE NO-KILL LIFESTYLE

Becoming a no-kill shelter or county is not an unreasonable possibility, but it does take a certain amount of effort on the part of all involved. This means not just the shelters and rescue organizations, but every citizen who can make a difference will need to do their part. Only by limiting or stopping the growth of future dog populations while giving organizations the ability to focus on the current overpopulation will this ever be achieved:

SPAY & NEUTER -- this needs to be a non-negotiable, and we need subsidized low cost programs to fund this so in the future fewer dogs will find themselves in shelters, begging for a chance to live one more day.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS -- the community needs current information on dogs and cats waiting in shelters and foster homes for their forever family.

PROGRAMS & VOLUNTEERS -- besides those who actively work in shelters or with rescue organizations, we need a network of people who can provide transportation for dogs and cats to other areas where there might not be as many adoptables. They can also help transport dogs and cats to spay and neuter appointments.

BEYOND THE BOX THINKING -- what about starting programs in county jails where prisoners in good standing help socialize and train dogs? What about matching senior dogs and cats with mobile senior citizens, providing food and medical care for the pet and giving both companionship? What about funding pet food pantries wherever possible so no one has to surrender their pet to a shelter just because they couldn't afford to feed them temporarily?

ADOPT DON'T SHOP -- we need to keep emphasizing the importance of adopting a dog instead of shopping for 'that perfect dog.'

There will always be dogs and cats who will need to be euthanized, no matter how hard it is to do or how unpleasant the subject is. Not every animal can be saved, no matter how hard we try or how much we want to. A desperately sick or injured animal or one with severe behavior problems deserves the kindness of a peaceful ending. Sometimes fixing injuries just isn't possible. Sometimes illnesses are incurable. Sometimes the animal is so mentally disturbed by past abuse that they will never be whole again. These are the animals euthanasia needs to be reserved for, a peaceful ending to pain and suffering. But the current situation, where dogs and cats are born just to die, isn't working for anyone.

Until next time.....