If a pet has no potential for adoption, they won't get into a no-kill shelter

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If a pet has no potential for adoption, they won't get into a no-kill shelter

Updated Mar 25, 2009

spca1An SPCA in Danville, Pennsylvania says it wants to change its image as a dumping ground for animals. Their new policy, according to an article by John-Erik Koslosky in the Press Enterprise, is that if they don’t think a pet can be adopted, they will not accept it into the shelter. Oh and “cats are wild,” says Roxanne Greiner, Danville SPCA team leader.  “They survive on their own.”

I am all for organizations trying to reduce euthanasia, but they can only become “no kill” when there is an animal control facility in town to handle the overflow of pets. I am assuming their town has an animal control facility to handle the homeless pets that are not “accepted” by the SPCA.

But I am less than thrilled with Greiner’s comment about cats being “wild.”  While they may survive in a neighborhood, thanks to people that feed and look after them, they are receiving less than acceptable care for a pet. They often don’t go the vet when they are sick, live fewer and more dangerous years, and are certainly prone to more illnesses and diseases than the average house cat. While trap-neuter-release is a great way to help feral cats in a neighborhood, the real problem is the excess number of litters, which ultimately don’t get into the shelter because of lack of space at the shelter or the shelter is a no-kill.  The cats are then dumped and the problem grows. That is not an an acceptable solution for an animal considered to be the most popular pet in the nation.

All too often shelters are putting the cart before the horse. Increase your community’s capacity for spay/neuter surgeries and encourage and educate people about the need for sterilizing pets before slamming and locking the shelter door.

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1 thought on “If a pet has no potential for adoption, they won't get into a no-kill shelter”

  1. I had no idea that no-kill shelters were actually turning away pets to be killed in the wild or at other facilities.  Thank you for revealing this.

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Cathy Rosenthal (aka The Pet Pundit), CHES, CFE
Animal Welfare Communications Specialist

Cathy brings more than 35 years' experience in the animal welfare field. She is a sought-after speaker, Certified Humane Education Specialist, a syndicated pet advice columnist, an author, a publisher, and of course - a loving pet parent.

Read more about Cathy here or check out her Non-Profit's page to see more ways she can help you and your organization.

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