The Irony of Gassing Shelter Animals

What is a shelter?  If you look at the definition, it is a safe haven or refuge; an establishment that gives basic care (food, shelter, medical) to homeless animals.  Animal shelters, no matter their official name, do this … to a point.  Some do it more or better than others, perhaps due to funding and donations (monetary and supplies), staffing and volunteers, and/or following their mission statement.

When people hear “animal shelter” they presume it means what it implies.  They believe it is a safe place for animals until they can be re-homed or reunited with owners.  Unfortunately, this is not the case.  Of all the animals that enter shelters each year, at least 50% do not make it out alive.  For some ‘shelters’, the number is as high as 90%.

Shelters that kill animals, whatever the reason, do so by one of three methods – heartstick, lethal injection or by gassing.  Lethal injection is the more humane method as it is quick, although not without pain.  Heartstick is exactly what the name implies - the needle of a poison-filled syringe is inserted directly into the heart.  It is not painless and it is not humane.  Gassing is extremly painful.  It burns the delicate and sensitive mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat.  It slowly chokes and suffocates the animals, taking as long as 40 minutes, perhaps more.

During World War II, Nazi Germany killed 4 million Jews in an effort to exterminate the “race”.  While exact numbers are not known, anywhere from one-third to one-half (perhaps more) of these deaths were in the gas chambers.  Gender and age did not matter.  The civilized world as a whole abhorred this horrible event.

From 1922 to 1992, the gas chamber was a preferred method of execution of our country’s worst criminals.  The use of gas chambers as a means of execution was banned as being too painful, causing extreme suffering, and inhumane.

The gas is visible to the condemned, and he/she is advised to take several deep breaths to speed unconsciousness in order to prevent unnecessary suffering. Accordingly, execution by gas chamber is especially unpleasant for the witnesses to the execution due to the physical responses exhibited by the condemned during the process of dying. These responses can be violent, and can include convulsions and excessive drooling.  The longest time of suffering recorded during an execution was 11 minutes.

So why do we, as a nation, allow the use of gas chambers to kill animals?  If it was too inhumane for murderers, rapists, etc, why is it humane enough for cats and dogs?  The animals are neither advised to breathe deeply to speed unconsciousness, nor are given any sort of sedative to ease their suffering.  They cry in terror and pain.  They desperately try to escape.  They futilely gasp for breath as the gas fills their lungs.  They suffer for well over 11 minutes.

While I abhor the thought and practice of killing shelter animals, I find the use of gas chambers especially repugnant.  As a nation, we have failed these animals.  Let us at least let them die humanely and without fear and pain.

Video: The Kill Box

Stop the Killing – Solutions

In Part 1, I took a look at the number of cats and dogs killed in US shelters every year.  Sadly, the numbers are a best guess because there are no requirements for shelters to keep statistics.  The estimated kill rate of 64% was based on a 14-year-old study with only 1000 shelters participating.

In Part 2, I took a look at causes for the killing.  The primary cause is the shelters themselves, with irresponsible owners being secondary.  There are also a number of contributing factors.

Today, I conclude with solutions.

Because the problem itself is multi-faceted, there is no single solution.  There are a number of parts, that when put together create a whole.  Each component must be utilized if there is to be widespread success.  While any one component certainly helps, it can be overwhelmed when the others are ignored.

So what is the solution?  I believe there are two primary solutions … no kill shelters and education.  But neither is as simple as the words imply.  The problem is multi-faceted, and so is each solution.

No Kill Shelters

If shelters stop killing all the adoptable animals, then the kill rate drops to 15% or less.  Simple, yes?  Not really.  Part of the current problem is what the shelters do or don’t do. 

Some, such as the shelter in Vermillion Parish, Louisiana, is rescue only.  Most rescues are foster-home based and are limited in the number of animals they can handle.  Shelters such as this one must allow adoption of their animals.

Some shelters, such as Bladen County, North Carolina, have restricted days and hours, making it difficult for people to adopt or rescue.  To make matters worse, this shelter only has one rescue day each week, and the day changes weekly.  Rescues must also call for an appointment.  Adoption and rescue friendly policies must be put into place. 

Some shelters, including my local ‘humane’ society, do not market or advertise their animals as they should, if at all.  If people do not know about the available animals, they can’t adopt or rescue them.  Adoptable animals must be marketed and advertised appropriately.

Some shelters do not allow adoption or rescue of animals at all.  Every animal they intake is killed.  The question is why. 

·         If it is because of local/county government policies, then the citizens of the area must speak out against such policies.  It is up to the citizens to ensure elected officials do what is desired of them.  If they don’t, boot them out of office and elect someone who will.  These policies must be changed.

·         If it is because the employees themselves would rather kill than have to care for the animals, then the employees need to be fired and replaced with those who will care for the animals.  Employment policies must be changed.

Some shelters, such as the one in Memphis, Tennessee, do not make all of their adoptable animals available to the public.  If these animals are never seen, they can never be adopted or rescued.  All adoptable animals must be made available to the public.

Some shelters kill because they think no one will want to adopt a senior dog or cat, or simply because it’s ‘euthanasia’ day.  This is an employee problem, and yes, shelter directors are employees too.  Policies must be in place to ensure this type of thinking is not condoned or allowed, and if necessary, employees replaced.

Some shelters kill dogs of certain breeds and all black animals upon intake, no matter how the animal arrived at the shelter.  Policies must change and this type of killing not allowed.

Many shelters kill owner surrenders upon intake.  Most of these animals are healthy and adoptable.  Policies must change and this type of killing not allowed.

Many shelters do not give strays a chance.  Once the stray hold is up, the animal is killed.  How can an animal be adopted if it’s killed before it’s even seen by anyone?  Policies must change and this type of killing not allowed.

Some animals are killed because they have not been adopted after weeks or even months.  Why these animals are not adopted is another multi-faceted issue.  Often, it is because the animal doesn’t present itself well at the shelter due to fear, anxiety and stress.  Sometimes it’s because of the breed and/or color.  Sometimes it’s because of the animal’s condition.  Read this blog post for a few stories that illustrate this.  Sometimes it’s because the dog needs some training and socialization.  Read Save Marshall to see a current real life situation.  Shelter employees and volunteers must be trained to recognize these animals and work to make the animal more adoptable.

Some shelters either do not allow volunteers to help, or restrict what volunteers are allowed to do and say.  Some, such as the shelter in New York City, require volunteers to sign non-disclosure agreements so they cannot say anything about what they see.  These policies must change, and the shelters must change if they are so afraid of what volunteers may say about them.

Some shelters kill animals who fail their temperament testing, even when the test is improperly administered and interpreted, even when the dog is under duress from being in the shelter.  Some test results may even be deliberately fudged to justify killing the dog.  This must change with tests appropriately and properly administered by qualified, impartial testers.

Most shelters are not transparent.  They do not publicize their adoption versus kill rates.  They do not advertise their policy regarding owner surrender.  They do not advertise their policies concerning strays.  They do not publicize their budgets or where all their money goes.  This has to change.  Shelters must be transparent.

And when a county shelter, such as the one in Seagoville, Texas, wants and works to be no kill even when county policies are not written that way, county government needs to rewrite their policies and support the shelter’s efforts.

Simply addressing the problems above could dramatically reduce the kill rate, even without officially becoming a no kill shelter.  Taken together, everything above is what a no kill shelter is about.  But no kill shelters also go beyond this.  They hire and properly train caring employees.  The animals’ best interests come first.  They make the commitment to the no kill philosophy and to the animals. 

Irresponsible Owners

Virtually everything I listed under irresponsible owners is a matter of education. 

·         Many people don’t know how to choose the right pet for them. 

·         Many people don’t know why an animal should be altered, and many are under false impressions concerning altering. 

·         Many people don’t know about the proper care of their chosen pet, which includes everything from feeding to exercise to breed characteristics to vet care.

·         Many people do not know what resources are available to them when they have a problem.

·         Many people don’t know what their local and county animal laws are.

·         Many people don’t know why they should train and socialize their puppy.

For a real life story that illustrates some of my points about the lack of knowledge, please read about Miss Pig and her mom.  It is a story of life, love and lessons.  You may want to have a tissue handy.

Shelters, rescues and other animal welfare groups, as well as veterinarians, need to work to compile information and resources, and disseminate it in multiple ways.  It does no good if you have the information and don’t share it or otherwise make it available.  And you have to market/advertise the fact that you have this information.

Classes, pamphlets/booklets, document files (on websites), handouts, posters, and more will go a long way in helping to educate people.  Programs where presentations are given at schools, social groups, town meetings, etc are another way to educate.

Shelters and rescues must have policies in place and appropriately trained staff or volunteers to help potential adopters choose the right pet for them.  When the wrong animal is chosen, it is often returned, and this is not the animal’s fault.  Please read Cocoa’s story, a real life situation where a dog was not a good fit for the family that adopted her and is now in danger of being killed.

I remember that while reading Badd Newz: The Untold Story of the Michael Vick Dog Fighting Case the author recounted an incident where a woman brought in a puppy to surrender because it was destructive and then wanted to adopt another.  When asked, the woman admitted she had never taken the puppy to any sort of training class.  Thankfully, the staff member on duty at the time accepted the puppy and refused to let the woman look at others.  If this isn’t a case of a lack of understanding and education about puppies, I don’t know what is.  And sadly enough, it probably happens far more often than we’d care to think about. 

Any of us could recount multiple instances of problems caused by a lack of education about companion animals.  Use your knowledge and personal experience to help others learn.

Contributing Factors

Blissful ignorance, disposable society, and thinking of animals as being property or things are all a matter of education.  These are probably the toughest education issues.  People believe what they want to believe, and sometimes, no matter what you say you can’t change their minds.  But that does not mean you shouldn’t try.

Dissemination of information will help educate the public about what is going on with our shelters, which is why I wrote this series of posts.

Education programs can help people rethink how they view and treat animals as being property or disposable.  Put a link on your website or print out copies to hand out of I am a dog, not a thing by Penny Eims, National Dog News Examiner.  Some people just never look at or think about animals from this point of view.  Until they do, animals are just a thing to be treated however the owner wants, or to be disposed of when a newer model comes out.

Animal neglect and cruelty often results in the abused animals being taken to a shelter.  Neglect is sometimes a matter of education where people just don’t know any better.  While we will never be able to change or educate abusers, better animal welfare laws and penalties can serve as a deterrent.  Weak laws and “slap on the wrist” penalties do nothing to make people think twice about abusing an animal.  Unfortunately, this will not eradicate the problem, but it may lessen it and thereby the number of animals going to shelters.

Going hand-in-hand with better laws is the establishment of Guardian ad litem programs where trained volunteers are assigned to abuse and criminal cases and represent the animals in courts.  These programs can help prevent animals from being killed when the case is resolved and they are no longer considered evidence.  Their guardian will be able to speak for them, and make sure they have been evaluated for potential adoption or rehabilitation.

Overpopulation is not a cause of the killing, although it certainly contributes to it.  There are more than enough homes for all the animals entering shelters each year.  Many people advocate mandatory spay/neuter laws, but I’m not sure mandatory laws are the way to go.  A lot of people get very stubborn and testy when any level of government mandates they have to do something in regards to their property.  Yes, we think of our pets as members of the family, but according to law they are property, and we must remember that fact.  Yes, altering pets will reduce the number of unwanted litters and pregnant females that end up in shelters but mandating it is not the solution.  Educate people about the benefits of altering their pets, as well as dispelling some of the myths concerning altering.  People are more likely to respond positively to benefits than they are to mandatory laws.

When it comes to terminology, the simple solution is to tell the truth.  Unless a shelter is no kill (officially or by actions), it does not deserve to, and should not, use the term.  Same thing applies to humane societies.  What term is better?  That’s a tough one.  I’m not sure “pound” is the way to go, although it is a familiar term to most people.  Don't use the term "euthanasia" unless the animal is truly being put down for humane reasons.  Most are being KILLED and not as mercy killings.  Avoid using "put to sleep" as it is misleading and implies a peaceful end by going to sleep forever.  It doesn't matter if the killing is by gas, injection or heartstick ... it is painful and not peaceful.

There are other contributing factors, such as Breed Specific Legislation and media hyperbole and sensationalism, which I have not included.  These also need to be appropriately addressed if we are to make any headway with them.

In conclusion, it is possible to stop the killing at our shelters … but it will take time and effort on the part of many people.  It will require making tough decisions, and opening yourself to pain and sorrow.  It will require people to open their eyes, minds and hearts to that which they would prefer not to.  It will require many people to speak up and be the voice of the animals.  It will require “the powers that be” at shelters to admit the truth.

Every positive change made by a shelter is a step towards no kill.  Every person who is educated is a step toward reducing the number of animals entering shelters.

It can be done.  It is a matter of doing it.


Stop the Killing - Solutions Part 2

Stop the Killing – Causes

If the killing is to stop, people have to be aware the problem exists, as well as its causes.  While many try to place the blame solely on overpopulation, this is not the case.

There are two causes.  One is irresponsible owners and it is a multi-faceted issue.  If owners were more responsible, then maybe the number of animals entering shelters would be reduced.

Failure to make the lifetime commitment owning an animal requires.

·         The puppy or kitten has grown and is no longer young and cute.

·         The puppy or kitten was gotten for their child, who has now gone off to college and the parents do not want the responsibility.

·         The cute little puppy got a lot bigger than they thought it would.

·         Decided the puppy or kitten cost too much in food and vet bills.

·         Making the wrong choice in regards to breed, shedding, activity level, etc

·         Decide they don’t have the time to properly care for their pet.

Failure to properly prepare before choosing a pet.  If you want a new pet, do your homework first.  Research the animal’s needs in terms of vet care, feeding, breed characteristics, activity levels, intelligence, grooming and shedding, size, and items needed (bed, toys, food/water dishes, etc).  Keep in mind that dogs need walks/exercise and yards should be fenced.  Remember there is a time commitment involved.   

Failure to properly train and socialize their dog.  Unfortunately, this often leads to destructive or vicious behavior, either of which can result in the owner dumping the animal.  If a dog is brought to a shelter because of vicious behavior, it rarely escapes the kill room. 

Failure to spay or neuter their pets when appropriate.  People who have multiple dogs of both genders, and who are not legitimate breeders, should have one gender or the other altered.  If you spay or neuter your pet(s), then there will be no unwanted pregnancies and litters. 

Failure to find homes for an unwanted litter.  Bringing an unwanted litter to the shelter should be the last choice after all other options have been exhausted.  Rescue groups and shelters are usually happy to give you advice on how to do this to ensure the puppies or kittens find good homes.

Failure to obey leash laws – better known as allowing their animals to roam freely.  If you choose not to spay or neuter your pet, then keep them at home and don’t allow them to roam.  If your animal isn't allowed to roam, it will not be randomly breeding, bothering your neighbor, their property or livestock. 

Failure to microchip or tag the animal.  If you allow your animal to roam freely and it does not come home, or it runs away for whatever reason, no microchip or tag means you cannot be contacted if your pet is found.  If it isn’t killed on the streets, it will likely end up in a shelter.

Failure to accept responsibility for a special needs pet.  Pet owners surrender their animals who are injured, sick, blind, deaf, physically handicapped, or simply old because they don’t want to be bothered with their care.

Failure to accept responsibility and seek appropriate solutions for the problem.  Dumping your animal is not an appropriate solution.  The decision to bring it to a shelter should be the choice of last resort.  There is help available if you seek it out and ask.  Shelter staff/volunteers and rescue groups are a wealth of information.  There are low cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinics; there are low cost vet clinics as well as veterinarians who are willing to work out payments; there are pet food banks; there are trainers of all sorts who can help with behavior problems.  You can get help with re-homing your pet if you have no other choice but to do so.

The segment of the population who just don’t give a damn.  There’s no way to know how many people there are in this segment, but there seems to be a lot.  They are the ones who have no regard for laws concerning their pets, no regard for the safety and welfare of their pets, and who plain don’t care if an animal they surrender to a shelter lives or dies.

Myth or contributing factors to the number of animals killed each year:

Overpopulation is a myth.  Somewhere between 3 and 6 million companion animals are killed in shelters each year.  Somewhere between 15 and 23 million homes get new pets EVERY year.  There are enough homes available.

Contributing Factor – Abusers and Criminals.  They don’t care about the animals, and when they’re busted, the animals end up in shelters as evidence.  Some of these animals are euthanized for humane reason due to their horrible injuries.  More often than not, the surviving evidence is destroyed after the case is resolved.    

Contributing Factor – Blissful Ignorance of the Public in General.  If you don’t know what’s going on, you can’t protest against or try to change it.  Shelters do not advertise the fact they are a kill shelter.  They do not advertise how many animals they kill each year.  The public in general has no idea how many animals end up in shelters every year or why.  People are misled by the terminology used.

Contributing Factor – Terminology Creates Misinterpretation / Misunderstanding:

·         Shelter – Gives the impression of a safe haven.  Far too many people think that when a dog or cat ends up in a shelter, they will be well cared for until they are adopted, no matter how long it takes.  Most shelters are dismal places, and often animals receive minimal care.  Sometimes, animals are allowed to suffer until illness, injury or starvation kills them.

·         Euthanasia – Tends to make people think the animals die happy and without pain.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  The animals smell the death from the kill room.  They become depressed while in the shelter.  They become afraid when it’s their turn.  Gassing, heartstick and injection all cause pain to the animal.  Euthanasia is mercy killing by definition, and few of the animals killed in shelters fall under this definition.

Contributing Factor –Thinking of Animals in Terms of Being Property or Things.  How many times have we heard the phrase “it’s just a dog”?  Many people and even government and businesses consider companion animals property and incapable of any type of emotion.  We read stories about, or even personally experience, animals that have shown devotion, loyalty, fear, and a host of other emotions thought to be solely a human thing.  One of our pack bears psychological scars from past abuse, just I personally do.  Yes we own them according to law, but they are members of our family.

Contributing Factor – Disposable Society.  We are very much a disposable society.  We use all manners of disposable items – tableware, storage containers, and even cell phones.  This has even translated to traditionally non-disposable items where when a newer model becomes available, we ditch the current one and get the new one.  Unfortunately, people also think and act this way with animals.

And finally, the number one cause of death for shelter animals – the shelters themselves.

Shelters kill for no good reason.  Some don’t adopt out any animal, period, and all are killed.  Some shelters kill because “it’s euthanasia day” or because they think no one will want a 10 year old dog or simply because it’s easier than feeding and cleaning up after them. 

Many shelters kill upon intake of an owner surrender.  They don’t advertise this fact, and once you leave Fido or Fifi behind, he or she is taken directly to the kill room.  These animals are never given a chance to be adopted.

 Impossible to adopt or rescue.  Many shelters have restricted times and/or days, which makes it difficult for anyone to adopt or rescue.  At least one shelter allows rescue on only one day each week – and the day changes each week – and rescue groups must call for an appointment.  Some shelters do not make all of their animals available for adoption.  Once the mandatory stray hold (if there is one) is up, the animal is killed.

Shelters kill even when space is available, and even when there rescue groups and/or adopters interested in taking animals.

It’s a Secret.  Many shelters don’t advertise or market their available animals.  Instead they make you visit their facility or their website.  Often, not all of the available animals are listed on the website.  Many shelters do not make all of the healthy and adoptable animals available to those who visit the facility.  Why couldn’t a NYC shelter find a home for a 6 month old puppy in a city of 8 million?  Why do shelters not market or advertise their animals?

And even though shelters do all these things listed above, they will tell you they kill because there aren’t enough adopters/homes.

Blackmail and Lies.  How many times have rescues and crossposters heard “We are completely full.  If nobody takes some of the animals we will HAVE to start EUTHANIZING them” from shelters?  Surely they can’t say they HAVE to start killing when they haven’t even offered the animals to the public for adoption or rescue?  And if they HAVE to kill because they are out of space, it is most certainly not a mercy killing.  Need space?  Let the animals be adopted or rescued.   

It’s a Secret 2.  Shelters don’t want us to know what’s going on behind the doors and within their walls.  They don’t tell you their policy concerning owner surrenders.  They don’t tell you they are withholding adoptable animals from public view.  They don’t want us to know their save versus kill rates.  They would rather place the blame on irresponsible owners and overpopulation.  But if they truly believed this, and actually cared about the welfare of the animals in their care, wouldn’t they make all animals available for adoption or rescue, not kill owner surrenders upon intake, and make their kill rates known in trying to wake us up to the problem and get help?

In light of these facts, it is impossible to make an argument that killing shelter animals is necessary.  Not when so many shelters don’t try.  Not when animals are not even offered for adoption or rescue.  Not when shelter days and hours are restricted enough to limit adoption and rescue.  Not when owner surrenders are killed upon intake.  Not when the number of homes getting new animals outpaces adoption from shelters by such a large margin.

Coming Next – Stop the Killing – Part 3: Solutions