Unintended Consequences - Shelters that “Euthanize” the Animals May be Prolonging the Very Problem they Seek to End

Pet Overpopulation Facts (an estimated 4 to 6 million dogs and cats are euthenized in America's animals shelters each year because they are not wanted by anyone, anywhere)
 

Here is an excerpt from Animal Control a Century in Review - click here to read the entire article: 

What is the future of animal control? Interestingly, in Arizona we recently reviewed the state statutes governing our program. We found as much emphasis on developing humane shelter programs as we found on developing rabies and animal control programs. The reason so many humane, animal welfare organizations sprang up across the United States during the 20th Century is because most of us in animal control missed this equal emphasis. Animal welfare organizations filled a gap in our animal control programs. Not that we in animal control were not dedicated to providing humane programs, we were. But because of inadequate funding, the threat of rabies, and a misguided focus, most animal control programs became more adept at developing catch and kill methodologies than humane, non-lethal solutions.

We were forced to fight symptoms rather than causes. Dogs and cats running at large is a symptom of a dysfunctional community. The cause is irresponsible pet owners who allow their pets to run at large, intact, to breed indiscriminately. Government contributes to this dysfunction by developing the most costly and ineffective response to the problem, i.e., chase and impound animals, warehouse animals, kill and dispose of animals.

What would happen if we in animal control shifted our focus? More importantly, what could happen if those who control the purse strings saw the light? A study conducted in the State of Minnesota found that for every $1 invested in spay/neuter programs they saved over $19 in animal control costs over ten years. In the State of New Hampshire, a targeted spay/neuter program designed to assist its indigent citizens resulted in a 90% decrease in the State's euthanasia rate over ten years. Right here in Maricopa County we have seen nearly a 50% reduction in our euthanasia rate since we began neutering adopted animals prior to releasing them. All across the country a feral cat management program, called Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR), is having a dramatic impact on solving neighborhood feral cat problems.

The future of animal control is proactive, innovative programs as opposed to the reactive programs of the past. Animal care and control professionals need to join together in espousing and promoting programs that solve the problems associated with irresponsible pet ownership, rather than continuing programs that only exacerbate those problems. If we are successful, perhaps in a decade or two, euthenizing a healthy, well-tempered animal will be as rare as shooting a rabid dog in the street is today.

(end of excerpt)

"A Prayer for Animals"

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for
our friends the animals, especially for
animals who are suffering; for any that are
hunted or lost or destroyed or frightened
or hungry; for all that must be put to death.
We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity
and for those who deal with them we ask
a heart of compassion and gentle hands and
kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true
friends to animals and so to share the
blessings of the merciful.

-Albert Schweitzer