One thing I have learned is that complacency is not a virtue. If you don't question what has been done before you, nothing will ever change. The history of the animal shelter system is an ugly one. Most shelters are still killing for space and many still use heart stick and gassing methods for their euthanization. These places are nothing more than legalized slaughter houses for animals. This type of animal "shelter" should be shut down. How can they even call themselves a SHELTER? The mere word suggests safety and protection from harm. These animals are on death row and most don't make it out alive.
Many animal shelters operate under the system of killing after a set hold period or to make space as needed. If no one ever questioned these barbaric ways then the complacent shelter workers and community members are the reason why the animals are still being killed. We all have an inherent responsibility to care for the animals in our communities. Humans have caused the pet overpopulation problem and now we need to take action and fix it. If you recognize a problem with the current system then you have to speak up, be direct, and don't back down until change happens. Going No Kill is a daunting task. A large part of it involves educating the public, and of course, the workers who care for the shelter animals. Naturally, people are resistant to change, but most of us all want the same end result. The No Kill philosophy is that no healthy animal will be euthanized. Who could argue with that?
Anyone who is passionate about animal welfare should step up and educate themselves about what you can do to get your local shelter to go no kill if they haven't already. Speak up and make it known that killing for space is wrong and an injustice to the animals. Why would anyone want things to stay the same? Why not seek out the problems with the current system and improve upon them until we have a system that actually fights for their lives?
We need to get rid of our human superiority complex and the "animal control and wildlife management" mentality. We do not have the right to control another species. Humans are the species that is overpopulated and in need of control. Humans have this seek and destroy attitude with this planet. Unfortunately all the species suffer because of human destruction. The animals are the innocent victims and we make them pay the price for our mistakes.
For those of you that see a problem but don't take action to change it, you are them problem. For those of you who just blindly accept what has been done before you and never question it...you are the reason why things remain stagnant. It's our duty to protect the animals of this earth. So don't be afraid to speak your mind and be an activist. No one can villainize you for trying to save lives.
