Making shelters 'no-kill' is the only way to truly care for pets

Susan Cosby, chief operating officer, Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Association - Philadelphia

The article "Merits of no-kill shelters questioned" reveals the stark challenges animal shelter staff face in saving innocent animals (USATODAY.com, Aug. 12).

(Photo -- To be or not to be? This few-days-old kitten, held at San Antonio’s Animal Care Services, is one of 1,004 cats and dogs taken in by the city-run shelter in a week. / By Eric Gay, AP)

San Antonio's Animal Care Services, which is profiled in the article, should be applauded for trying to end the senseless killing of healthy animals. Sadly, it doesn't seem like many no-kill shelters receive praise.

There are many animal services and organizations that seem to think no-kill shelters are more trouble than they are worth. The truth is, any organization that truly cares about animals must strive to reach the goal of San Antonio's Animal Care Services and become a no-kill shelter.

Rather than becoming an animal warehouse, this organization has a plan and is heeding the successes and failures of other no-kill shelters. It is quite scary when national organizations describe killing animals as the "only humane way to ease overcrowding."

As someone who has faced many of the challenges that the San Antonio shelter is facing, I know that killing friendly, healthy and easily treatable animals is the least humane way to reduce overcrowding. Adoption, foster care, spay/neuter and rescue programs top the killing option by miles.

It will take hard work. It will take involving the community through volunteering and foster care, and it will take a major culture shift, but as the staff at San Antonio's Animal Care Services see the progress, they will find great joy in their work.



Follow Germany's lead
Bobbee Murr - Portland, Ore.

Thanks to the vision and action of many animal services staff and volunteers across the USA, one day, I believe, the killing of homeless pets finally will end. Those working in the animal services field and pet owners need to help the United States match Germany's high standard of keeping healthy animals and those who have treatable conditions alive. It is a moral imperative of humanity to eliminate the shamefully high kill rates at facilities that call themselves "shelters."

Reference:USA Today