What IS an Animal Shelter? In the world of rescue, people have come to differentiate between “Kill” and “No-Kill” shelters – the first is bad, the second is good. But what are these shelters? How many of you have ever looked into the world of shelters? Do you know that most “Kill” shelters are the shelters supported by the taxpayers, which are there to take in the unwanted animals of the area they serve, and are not allowed to say no, we won’t take this animal? While the majority of “No-Kill” shelters are private organizations, 501(c)(3) charities that take those they feel they can take – and turn the rest away? “Kill” shelters have a terrible reputation, because indeed many animals have been killed there. But ultimately, whose responsibility is that? Ours. Yours and mine. Shelters are supposed to be a refuge for the unwanted animals, a place they can go for help. But an irresponsible society has turned them into a dumping ground for problem animals, for no-longer wanted pets, for those who are the products of unaltered pets – caused by people not taking responsibility for their pets. Not only are these shelters filled to overflow capacity with these rejected animals, they are then reviled for killing them. Really? Does anyone think a shelter worker WANTS to euthanize animals? What we wonder is “what do people expect the shelters to do? Wave a wand and magically find them all homes?” It is time for all of us to put our money where our mouths are. When you hear yourself criticizing a shelter for any issue – euthanasia, overcrowding, not sending to foster, not supporting TNR – we challenge you to ask yourself “how am I helping to solve the problem?” If all you have to offer is a complaint, ask yourself - how are you helping? And if you have suggestions for solutions, recognize MANY people have suggestions – how are YOU going to help implement them? The CCC is excited to be invited to participate in solutions at our local animal shelters. In the coming weeks, look for stories that will highlight the solutions we are putting into action – working in collaboration with our shelters, we are working to help end unnecessary killing, to create a humane and caring society. If you are interested in joining us, if you have ideas on how to improve the life of shelter animals, and if you can say how YOU will help do this, please – email/message us today! Help us as we help the shelters fulfill that mission – of truly being a shelter.
Posted on: Fri, 30 May 2014 07:12:06 +0000
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