By Brad Densley. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in...
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The Truth About Animal Shelters By Brad Densley
By Brad Densley. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated. I hold that the more helpless
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged
by the way in which its animals are treated. I hold that the more
helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man
from the cruelty of man.
Slide 3
As Gandhi has eloquently stated, animals are more than just
pets. The relationship between man and his pets is a chance for
excellence in human perspective. An opportunity to educate and
enrich both the pets and persons life. Most importantly, it is a
chance for mankind to protect animals, who trust us, with their
care and well being.
Slide 4
Slide 5
The issue that is occurring currently is that; the United
States pet population is out of control. The animal shelter system
currently in place can not control the pet population alone. All
pet owners must take responsibility for this issue. Lastly, with
pet population rising, shelters are forced to euthanize (kill
humanely) the un-adopted pets.
Slide 6
This report will describe our current system for animal rescue
and adoption. It will address the flaws and short comings in the
status quo. The people involved in the current issue will be
identified and their roles explained. Lastly, the report will
propose what can be done to correct this issue.
Slide 7
The status quo refers to the current system or method used
presently. In the United States most pet adoption, rescue, and
animal control services are provided by either a state run animal
control service or by a humane society.
Slide 8
The number of animals handled by animal control services is
staggering. The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy
reports In 2007, over 15 million pets were handled by shelters. It
is estimated that approximately 3.7 million were euthanized in the
nations shelters in 2008.
Slide 9
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals (ASPCA), about 62 percent of all households in the
United States have a pet. About 78.2 million dogs and about 86.4
million cats are owned in the United States. The amount of pets in
America is so large that all numbers are given as estimates.
Slide 10
Not Spaying or Neutering all animals Increase in pet population
Increase in cost of ownership Taking animals to shelters
Overwhelmed shelters and services
Slide 11
The following chart shows the linear growth of Americas pet
population. The current trend is a steady rise in pet population.
This rise comes even as the shelters try to control the pet
population.
Slide 12
Slide 13
Published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science,
2005, author Stephen Halstead looked at over crowding of Michigan
animal shelters. His article found that Michigan shelters
discharged 134,405 cats in 2003: 76,321 (57%) by euthanasia and
(24%) by adoption. Twice the number killed because the shelter
couldnt house them longer.
Slide 14
The report on Michigan is close to a national average for how
shelters handle incoming pets. Sadly, most pets sent to shelters
are kept only as long as they have space and funding. In regards to
the future, the data suggests that more animals will be killed due
to a rising population of pets.
Slide 15
Slide 16
In animal adoption, rights enforcement, and animal care there
are two different groups involved. The first group is the
functioning group; meaning, they have a functioning realistic way
of handling animals. They are most commonly state-run humane
societies and shelters. Secondly, the non-functioning groups, which
are most commonly animal rights groups that have little impact on
the pet population.
Slide 17
The majority of animals adopted, rescued, or processed go
through this group. This group is comprised of humane societies and
shelters that actively adopt pets and provide spay/neuter options
to pet owners. This group often conducts studies and analysis of
the current pet problem.
Slide 18
The Utah humane society is a good example of a functioning
service. According to their annual facts report published in 2011,
they have a staff of 53 people, handle 11,000 animals per year, and
adopt 7,500 of the animals handled that year. They do this with an
annual budget of 3.8 million dollars. Their adoption rate is
between 68% and 70% each year.
Slide 19
This group does not actively participate in the adoption
process, pet rescue, or pet population control measures. They
exist, as private businesses, to speak for animal rights or about
the ethics of animals in relation to humans. They are non-profit
groups that rely on donations and sponsorships.
Slide 20
Slide 21
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is a very
well known animal rights group. According to PETAs facts website,
PETA is staffed by over 850 workers, they have an annual budget of
over 37.5 million dollars, and have only adopted approximately a
thousand animals since it opened in 1997. PETA kills 91% of all
pets it adopts. This is why it is a non- functioning solution.
Slide 22
This particular situation does have solutions. It is shown that
using shelters and humane societies alone are not an effective
solution. Responsibility for this issue resides with the pet owners
and pet lovers in America. The following options are shared with
the animal shelter community and with animal rights
organizations.
Slide 23
Unless you intend to responsibly breed your pet, you should get
your pet spayed or neutered. Most local humane societies or
shelters offer a low cost spay and neuter. Most shelters spay and
neuter pets they shelter. This ensures their part in controlling
the pet population.
Slide 24
By the use of microchips pet owners can track the location of
their pet if they become lost. Microchips can be placed at animal
shelters for a small fee. Another option is to put collars on your
pets with your contact information. This is extremely important
because many dogs and cats are euthanized each year due to owners
unsuccessfully finding their pet.
Slide 25
Donations are a prime source of funding for animal shelters in
the United States. Although they have a state granted budget,
additional funding ensures a better chance of adoption for the
pets. Volunteering your time is another good option for helping
shelters. Many shelters have a minimal staff and can not
accommodate all of the animals they are housing.
Slide 26
Our responsibility as pet owners is to ensure that we do what
is morally correct. This report aimed to define and show the true
size of the pet population. It also explains the details of our
current problem. Lastly, it shows that the solution is attainable
and a worthwhile goal. It is not too late to make a difference and
it is not too late to save a life.