No Kill Society 2011

In recent weeks, I have noticed a trend in topic theme in the Pets Category on Examiner.  The issue of no kill and humane treatment of shelter animals - cats and dogs - has skyrocketed in published articles.  In this post, I will voice my opinion on the concept of no kill.

No Kill Society 2011
By Lauren Hovis

"The number of homeless pets killed in 1997 in Chicago was a staggering 42,561."

In the Fall/Winter 2010 edition of PAWS Chicago's Angel Tales Magazine, an article was published on the reality of a no-kill society.  Animal shelters around the United States found themselves boldly named in "When is No Kill truly No Kill?" for labeling "adoptable" animals they were in fact killing.  In Los Angeles, one animal shelter was cited for killing half of the dogs it was saving.  In 2009, 4 million pets were euthanized in shelters in this country alone.  Perhaps more sickening is this - "Nationwide, 60% of dogs and 70% of cats entering animal shelters never make it out alive."  These statistics should not be.

I recently spoke to Irene Brown, an Adoption Counselor at PAWS Chicago, to gain insight as to whether or not Chicago has made progress and will be a true no kill city in this year, 2011.

Q.  Define the concept of "no kill."

A.  Members of the no-kill movement, like PAWS Chicago, believe that each animal has value, and that they should not be killed simply for lack of space.  Instead of the traditional method of sheltering which involves trapping and killing cats and dogs to keep the homeless animal population under control, the no-kill movement promotes spaying and neutering, adoption, and educating the public on the plight of homeless pets.  For more on the no-kill movement, check out our website: PAWS Chicago.

Q.  Is there justification for putting down a shelter animal?

A.  On rare occasions, no-kill shelters will euthanize when an animal is a danger to other animals or people (and does not respond to training), or when it is too sick for medical treatment.  However, this makes up a very small percentage of the pets that are admitted to no-kill programs.

Q.  How many shelter animals in the United States are put down for unethical reasons, that you know of?

A.  It is hard to say exactly how many homeless pets are killed across the country.  At PAWS, we focus on the homeless pet population in Chicago.  The number of homeless pets killed in 1997 in Chicago was a staggering 42,561.  If traditional methods worked, pet overpopulation would not continue to plague our country's homeless pets.  In contrast, since PAWS Chicago took the No Kill message public with Angel Tales in 1998, and with the help of all the wonderful Chicagoans who have rallied to help homeless pets, the killing has been reduced by more than half with 19,288 pets euthanized in 2008.  That number continues to drop every year.

Q.  In any given year, how many dogs does PAWS Chicago rescue?

A.  PAWS Chicago's goal for 2010 was to reach 4,000 adoptions.  We surpassed our goal in December and hope to save even more lives in 2011.  Roughly about 2,000 of the adopted pets were dogs, and the rest cats.

Q.  What is the fate of a dog that is not rescued?

A.  Dogs at Animal Care and Control that are not rescued by PAWS Chicago are either reunited with their owners (if they were strays), adopted directly from Animal Control, transferred to other rescue groups, or euthanized.

Q.  How can individuals help save dogs in Chicago?

A.  There are many ways to help save homeless dogs in Chicago.  By adopting a dog, instead of purchasing one from a breeder or pet store, adopters are saving a life.  PAWS Chicago is 90% volunteer-run, and could not exist without our many dedicated volunteers.  There are many different opportunities for people looking to volunteer, and each one helps us get closer to the goal of a no-kill city.  Also, PAWS Chicago runs without any type of city, state, or federal funding.  We rely completely on the support of generous individuals who donate to fund our programs.

Q.  Define an ideal world for shelter dogs.

A.  An ideal world for shelter dogs would be one in which animals are not killed simply for lack of space, where dogs are valued and given a chance to find their forever homes.  PAWS Chicago has made a lot of progress, yet there is still a lot of work to be done.  By spreading the word about the no-kill messsage, and promoting spay/neuter initiatives, adoption, and humane education, we hope to one day make Chicago a no-kill city.

Make Chicago a no-kill city today, not someday.  Dogs provide unconditional love and content happiness.  Look into their eyes.  Listen to what they say.  Consider the statistics and ask why?  Make Chicago a no kill society in 2011 and beyond.