The Right To Live - Animal Euthanasia is "Over Kill"

When it comes to having a central nervous system, and the ability to feel pain, hunger, and fear, it is the same with human and animal. ~ Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA

Euthanasia is not a peaceful or pleasant way to die, which will come to a surprise to most people. Dogs and cats are regularly gassed, and with very old machines that take longer than they should to kill, all the while air is extracted making it unbearably frightening and painful (in many shelters), stick-pinning (needle in the heart, common in Texas), given poisonous injections after waiting their turn, watching, tethered in line to be killed and thrown in a nearby trash can (Canada and U.S.), and barbarically electrocuted after water is doused on their body (Mexico), or electrocuted with electrodes over their mouth and in their anus (Mexico) and Canada - for fur baring animals (hoodies, coats, boot fur trim), to mention only a few countries.

Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue has been to many animal "shelters" in North & South America over the past 20+ years and we know that almost all animals are adoptable and that shocking euthanasia statistics would be greatly reduced if the definition of an "adoptable pet" is changed. Many dogs and puppies arrive at shelters after suffering starvation and/or mange, very fearful for their lives, confused, or with post traumatic stress. In addition these shelters often use what is known as "temperament tests" (actually, unfair 'tests' using pig's ears and bones as bait, and corner and antagonize very frightened dogs). The majority of dogs arriving at shelters are just plain scared and nervous (and rightfully so) after being abandoned by their owners, lost, or dragged in by animal control, and not given their rightful and deserving chance to live. Many "shelters" place dogs and cats in areas not available to the public, even though they may only have mange that is easily curable, or there were too many of that type of animal already in the shelter (example: black cats or dogs). Many shelters have no staff and turn down offers to help by volunteers, leaving no one to answer potential adopter's questions on how to adopt, and often the cage signs are mismarked/not updated due to a pet already removed from that kennel. Many pets are 'surrendered' to shelters due to behaviour issues which is due to the lack of human responsibility and effort (these dogs can easily be rehabilitated), or by family misfortune in which another member of their extended family could and should help out rather than consider the former pet disposable. Untold numbers of dogs and puppies are born homeless (ie: no food, no shelter, and freezing) on Reservations as well as other impoverished areas, breeding more dogs than there are people to adopt, hence, no need to buy from breeders. Speaking of breeders, it is not uncommon for breeders to abandon 6-month old dogs on Reserves, in the country, or take to vets for euthanasia, because they don't make any money once the puppy is past puppyhood.

Though many rescue organizations are coming forth to create awareness and pick up the slack of irresponsible pet owners, the PRIMARY reason healthy shelter dogs and cats are "euthanized/destroyed" is because Spay & Neuter laws are not required for pet owners, as well as puppy mills (over-crowded, extremely small cages, often injured, with wounds and infections, stacked cages of momma dogs and their puppies living and dying in adverse weather conditions) are allowed to operate rather than deeming this inhumane way of breeding illegal and closing them down. Additionally, breeders should be required to be licensed to prevent backyard breeding, which is essentially, pet exploitation (greed and apathy). Politicians need to focus more on the horrific animal cruelty that is allowed to prevail by lack of laws, and only us caring individuals can make a difference by educating ourselves and putting pressure on decision-making leaders.

To learn more about the work that the No Kill Advocacy Center is doing please take a moment to read this article below.

A Lifesaving Matrix - No Kill Advocacy Center, Oakland, CA

Other Educational Links below:

Animal Euthanasia – by Sarah Grace

Chase (rescued the day she was scheduled to be euthanized )– by Eldad Hagar