As an animal shelter volunteer, and as the guardian of three beloved companions whom I adopted from that shelter, I hate the idea of euthanizing animals, yet I can't support "no-kill" shelters.
Nearly every day, the shelter where I volunteer receives more unwanted cats and dogs than there are people to adopt them or even cages to hold them. The shelter workers, who care deeply about animals, have made the heartbreaking but humane decision to make room for newcomers and give them a chance at being adopted instead of slamming the doors in their faces. No-kill shelters, on the other hand, typically turn animals away when their cages fill up, leaving them at the mercy of people who don't want them, on the streets, or in another shelter that does euthanize.
Keeping dogs and cats—social animals who require exercise, companionship, and mental stimulation—caged indefinitely is nothing short of cruelty. I've seen many formerly shy, quiet dogs turn into snarling, lunging maniacs that literally ricochet off the walls after just a few weeks in a cage.
Reducing euthanasia rates is a goal toward which we should all strive, but we must do it by spaying and neutering to prevent more animals from being born—not by warehousing cats and dogs indefinitely, just to make ourselves feel better.
To learn more, visit www.HelpingAnimals.com.
Lindsay Pollard-Post
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Norfolk, Va.
