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Health & Fitness

Like Fingernails on a Blackboard

In the pet overpopulation problem, who is responsible? Why are fingers pointed in the wrong directions?

We know the sound.    Just hearing the phrase "like fingernails on a blackboard" makes my teeth hurt.    It's like chewing aluminum foil.    I don't chew on aluminum foil but my imagination can fill in the blanks.

So too is the phrase "kill or no-kill" shelters.    The other night there was a piece on the news about puppies that were being transported from shelters that "kill" to "no-kill" organizations.     Why are the words "kill shelters" like fingernails on a blackboard?  Why is the focus put on organizations and individuals that are trying to help?    Let's check some things out.

1.  "Kill" shelters are also known as open admission facilities.    They do not turn anyone away.    They do the best they can with the resources available.     They at least provide some type of safety net so these animals aren't abandoned.   If they don't take the animal, where will it end up?    Don't kid yourself.   It isn't always in a better place.   

2.  "No-kill" or restricted admission facilities take only the animals they either have room for or only those that are highly adoptable.   They restrict what they take in.   Therefore, they are clear of the "kill" label.   

Is either wrong?    I don't think so.    Each organization/rescue fills a need.     There is criticism regarding "kill" shelters because they - well - kill animals.    There is an equal amount of criticism for the "no-kill" facilities because they won't take the animal or they take too many and end up warehousing.   Is either type of organization at fault?  

Put a critical eye on this situation.     Who is really to blame (responsible)?   It's the owners who allow their animals to breed with no thought to what happens to the offspring.    Little if any thought is given to this pattern.     Owners will not invest in spay/neuter and have no intention of taking on that expense.     This was never even a consideration when they acquired the animal.   

Things have changed dramatically since a good number of rescues and shelters have the animals sterilized prior to placement.    No chance for reproduction.    A critical piece are all the pets available through advertising.    Advertising can be the obvious type (newspapers, Craig's list, postings at veterinary clinics and animal supply stores) and advertising can also be word of mouth.  Advertising is a pet offered at a flea market or garage sale.   It's all a form of advertising.   

So, before we point fingers and criticize those that are providing assistance, lets look at the individuals that allow this overpopulation to happen in the first place.    Which camp are you in?

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