Kill fewer animals
Kill fewer animals
Regarding the animal euthanasia rate on the Big Island: If you take on the task, and get paid millions of dollars to operate a “humane” shelter, then you should be proactively trying to reduce your euthanasia rate with time — not blaming others for your failures; not distracting people or manipulating them.
A huge problem on the Big Island is that no-kill shelters do not have a unifying voice. They all have different opinions and they want everyone else to agree with them. If someone does not, then they are ignored or attacked.
They are incapable of swallowing their pride for the sake of all animals, choosing instead to focus on the very few they choose to save.
How does any county or state become more humane? It’s not by repeating the same actions again and again, hoping for the best. It’s not by arguing instead of coming up with solutions or coming up with distractions.
It’s a combination of enacting and changing laws, enacting an effective and unified network, and accessible and affordable free spay and neuter services.
The management staff at the Hawaii Island Humane Society has proven through the years they are incapable of lowering their euthanasia rate. If they were capable of feeling shame, they would resign.
The first step is to admit we have a problem. If you cannot do that, then the HIHS carnage continues.
Here are examples of people who stopped making excuses and hired the right people in four different states.
Nevada Humane Society: The NHS says, “Rather than trying to be all-things-to-all-people and doing a mediocre job, we decided to focus on first doing a good job for our local community and the animals in it.” Its save rate in 2012 was an impressive 94 percent.
Metro Denver Shelter Alliance: The collective live outcome rate in 2012 for the Metro Denver Shelter Alliance was 85 percent. “MDSA members have agreed on a common, nonjudgmental language that’s clearly defined and consistently used, and statistical transparency.”
Multnomah County Animal Services, Oregon: “Our save rate for dogs is now up to over 90 percent, and we’ve recently implemented several new programs to increase the save rate for cats.” In 2012, ASAP member shelters collectively achieved an 85 percent live release rate. What’s been most helpful in reducing euthanasia rates? Multnomah says “transfers of dogs and cats to community partners such as private shelters, rescue groups and private foster homes for high-needs animals” have been incredibly important.
Austin Pets Alive! Texas: Under the direction of Dr. Ellen Jefferson, APA is a nationwide leader in the no-kill revolution. Solutions included more off-site adoption events, larger foster program … and an isolation unit for sick animals. In 2011, its live outcome rate reached 90 percent.
Dennis Chaquette
Kapaa