This article is on point from every angle. Thank you for addressing a difficult issue that I know we can help solve if we can initiate all the preventive measures needed so that we're not constantly in reactive mode. That takes officials, communities, and shelters.
Thanks, Ed, for writing about the No-Kill movement. After a long battle, No Kill advocates convinced the city of Austin, Texas to make it legal. With the help of partners Austin Pets Alive and Austin Human Society, the city of Austin is the largest No Kill community in the US. I could share so many warm stories but a typical example was the community response after a huge storm blew through, knocking down fences and releasing dozens of animals. Austin Animal Center was well over the limit. People donated kennels and fostered dogs. An alert went out through the communiity to foster or adopt. Recovery fees were waived. When I pulled up to the shelter the next morning, there were hundreds of people lined up to adopt. APA's PASS program created a safety net for families who lost jobs or housing or became seriously ill where their pet would be lovingly fostered until they recovered. So many stories with happy resolutions. I no longer live in Austin but follow their activity closely and am still so proud of them.
Thank you, Rena, for sharing your inspiring experience with the No-Kill movement in Austin, Texas! It's heartwarming to hear how the community came together after the storm, demonstrating the power of collective action and compassion. Stories like these show what’s possible when people unite to support animal welfare. Austin's success is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved. Your pride in their accomplishments is well-deserved. Thank you for reading and for continuing to support the No-Kill movement!
So much has been left behind. The Arts have suffered, home economics, physical education. Teachers cut, classrooms enlarged…all in the wrong direction. My Art studio at the high school was terminated for a computer lab.
Hi Ed. I was writing to thank you for posting the article about the first Memorial Day. Should be on the front page of news papers everywhere! Hate is about de-humanizing the “other.” This article would quash that idea in a second. Good work.
Thank you, Elaine! As a teacher, can you help me understand how so much of our history is not being taught to the next generation? I'm not blaming teachers, I'm sure the reasons are more systemic, but we sure seem to have lost our way as a nation.
Good question ! The curriculum is not decided by the teachers. It comes down from the Dept. of Education. I’m assuming the need for workers to ‘man’ the
Agreed! That seems to be the philosophy of the Dept of Ed: prepare workers; not thinkers, artists, poets. We need unquestioning, mind numbed workers...
Sadly yes. “The powers that be “decide! I don’t know how we change it.
Parents have a lot of power - yet to be fully realized. Diversity in the Departments. More women in decision making roles. Teaching from a young age the skills of debating. Teach them their voices are important.
Thanks for adding more to this dialog about No Kill. I am glad you are so thoughtful and prolific because it encourages me to comment. :-) Certain shelters in NYC are "no kill" - because they do not have to take in animals that they do not welcome. That's fine. The NYCACC feels pressure to be "no kill" by saying that their adoption rate is 90% or something like that so surely they must be close to no kill. "Give me a star."
Let's not forget that this organization was CREATED by the City of NY in 1994 -- this is how they came into being. In the beginning, the commissioner of the DoH was the Chair - and on that board were commissioners of other city agencies including the Dept of Sanitation! Tone deaf -- We all "got it" at the time. "Animals are garbage." They even put signs on their garbage trucks, which of course wore off because they are - after all - trucks that get filthy picking up garbage. The Sanitation Commissioner (not alive anymore) testified at a city council hearing and spoke to "spraying" and neutering. Something I will never forgot. The man could not even use the correct terminology! These people did not have a clue -- and they created the CACC - a unit to change its name several times -now it is the Care Center. But make no mistake - they are controlled by NYC government - why else would they get a 34 year contract.
I find it all very disturbing because it is no longer about the individual animals but what they think is public perception.
"No kill" to organizations like the ACC., means getting animals out of the shelter via adoptions as quickly as possible - the awful degrading term "live release rate." Is it just me who sees this? I don't get it. I see the poor quality of their adoptions when people return the cat or dog. They appear to adopt out to anyone with a pulse. I have FOILed their adoption question and criteria - let's see if I get it.
But I will not put the blame solely on the NYCACC -- municipal shelters are a reflection of the society that created them. And the ACC is no different. Let's put the blame where it belongs - on the Mayor and City Council - (for decades) - and on all of us for not taking a stand. For starters - we need free/lowcost spay/neuter facilities that are easily accessible and promoted. No one should have to (and they don't) pay $1,000 for a cat spay. And to wait months for an appointment at one of the low cost and not easily accessible clinics is also not feasible.
I agree. I live in a municipal area that has been encouraged by large non profits to leave healthy dogs on the streets so they can reach their goal of turning Texas No Kill. I believe in No Kill as described in this article. As a society, I'm not sure what gets one city--Austin--to turn out and not others. That answer isn't obvious to many municipal shelter directors. I don't know what else to push from a policy agenda--maybe we could fund shelters through very high taxes and fees on breeders? When I see how many people want a puppy, when I know how many older dogs are desperate for homes in shelters--I can't dwell on it, I just want ways to drive change.
Thank you, Lynn! Yes, it is disheartening to hear about policies that leave healthy dogs on the streets, and I agree that the true No-Kill approach, as described, is vital. Austin's success demonstrates what a committed community can achieve. Your idea of funding shelters through high taxes and fees on breeders is an interesting policy suggestion, one tried in LA with mixed results. It's important to keep pushing for innovative solutions and community engagement to drive meaningful change. Your insights and passion are greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for your thoughtful and engaging comment. Your insights highlight many of the challenges and complexities surrounding the no-kill movement, particularly in a large urban setting like NYC. It's true that some shelters can achieve no-kill status by limiting intake, a luxury not afforded to municipal shelters like NYCACC.
Your point about the historical context and the role of city governance in shaping the organization is important. The creation and evolution of the NYCACC reflect broader societal attitudes and priorities, and changing those perceptions is an ongoing challenge.
I agree that spay/neuter accessibility is vital to controlling pet overpopulation, and we must advocate for more low-cost, easily accessible options. Your concerns about adoption practices and the quality of care in municipal shelters are valid and underscore the need for continual improvement and community support. I especially agree with you that LRR can be a counterintuitive incentive resulting in unintended consequences.
Thank you again for contributing to this important dialogue. Your passion and dedication to animal welfare are truly inspiring. Let's continue working together to make a difference for the animals in our communities.
Yesterday, I ran into a woman on the subway with a tiny tea cup poodle in a carrier. She sat next to me. Adorable dog, of course, and as we started to talk, I refrained from asking where she "bought" her. But we had a discussion that focused on spay/neuter - and the HIGH cost. She had already begun to look into it and learned that the mobile unit sponsored by the ASPCA (and reimbursed by the Dept of Health) only operates in remote zip codes - and not in Manhattan - she lives in Harlem. The available slots "fill up" very quickly because the list always indicates that. The animal must be brought to the site by 6AM. In a city where many people rely on public transportation, (this woman also did not have a car) it is very challenging.
Then she spoke about another source - probably the Humane Society of NY (not to be confused with HSUS) where there was a one years wait.
Her experience with prices was the same as mine. Private vets have been charging upwards of $1,000 for a cat spay - and some require any number of costly vaccinations.
It's no wonder that most of the animals dumped at the NYCACC are intact - there is no public education and if there were - there are no viable solutions.
Elizabeth, thank you for sharing your encounter and the important issues you discussed. The high cost and accessibility challenges of spay/neuter services are significant barriers for many pet owners, and it's crucial to address these to prevent the many vexing problems that result from pet overpopulation. Your story highlights the need for more accessible and affordable options, as well as better public education. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of location or income, can access these services is essential for creating a No-Kill community. Your input is invaluable, and I appreciate you bringing this to light.
Thank you, Bob, for sharing your experience. It’s heartbreaking to hear about the challenges you faced while trying to adopt a pet. The adoption process should prioritize both the well-being of the animals and the prospective pet owners' needs, ensuring that loving homes are found swiftly and compassionately.
Your story highlights the need for balanced adoption criteria and more efficient processes to prevent unnecessary delays. It's crucial that shelters and rescues work together to streamline these procedures so more animals can find their forever homes without undue hardship.
Thank you for your dedication to adopting and giving a loving home to animals in need. Let’s hope for continued improvements in the adoption process so that future experiences are more positive for both pets and their new families.
This article is on point from every angle. Thank you for addressing a difficult issue that I know we can help solve if we can initiate all the preventive measures needed so that we're not constantly in reactive mode. That takes officials, communities, and shelters.
Thank you, Annoula!
Thanks, Ed, for writing about the No-Kill movement. After a long battle, No Kill advocates convinced the city of Austin, Texas to make it legal. With the help of partners Austin Pets Alive and Austin Human Society, the city of Austin is the largest No Kill community in the US. I could share so many warm stories but a typical example was the community response after a huge storm blew through, knocking down fences and releasing dozens of animals. Austin Animal Center was well over the limit. People donated kennels and fostered dogs. An alert went out through the communiity to foster or adopt. Recovery fees were waived. When I pulled up to the shelter the next morning, there were hundreds of people lined up to adopt. APA's PASS program created a safety net for families who lost jobs or housing or became seriously ill where their pet would be lovingly fostered until they recovered. So many stories with happy resolutions. I no longer live in Austin but follow their activity closely and am still so proud of them.
Thank you, Rena, for sharing your inspiring experience with the No-Kill movement in Austin, Texas! It's heartwarming to hear how the community came together after the storm, demonstrating the power of collective action and compassion. Stories like these show what’s possible when people unite to support animal welfare. Austin's success is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved. Your pride in their accomplishments is well-deserved. Thank you for reading and for continuing to support the No-Kill movement!
Elaine’s Substack
I’d love to hear you comments on my “Matisse stories”. 10 chapters - start at One
lol
So much has been left behind. The Arts have suffered, home economics, physical education. Teachers cut, classrooms enlarged…all in the wrong direction. My Art studio at the high school was terminated for a computer lab.
Hi Ed. I was writing to thank you for posting the article about the first Memorial Day. Should be on the front page of news papers everywhere! Hate is about de-humanizing the “other.” This article would quash that idea in a second. Good work.
And thank you for your love and care for animals.
Thank you, Elaine! As a teacher, can you help me understand how so much of our history is not being taught to the next generation? I'm not blaming teachers, I'm sure the reasons are more systemic, but we sure seem to have lost our way as a nation.
Good question ! The curriculum is not decided by the teachers. It comes down from the Dept. of Education. I’m assuming the need for workers to ‘man’ the
industries was more important
Smaller classrooms would help so much. More interaction time with each student. More choices.
Also Ed, classifying women as second class citizens - again.
I know; what in the world is going on with this? Men competing in women's sports, etc.? It's like society is trying to erase women altogether.
Agreed! That seems to be the philosophy of the Dept of Ed: prepare workers; not thinkers, artists, poets. We need unquestioning, mind numbed workers...
Sadly yes. “The powers that be “decide! I don’t know how we change it.
Parents have a lot of power - yet to be fully realized. Diversity in the Departments. More women in decision making roles. Teaching from a young age the skills of debating. Teach them their voices are important.
Thanks for adding more to this dialog about No Kill. I am glad you are so thoughtful and prolific because it encourages me to comment. :-) Certain shelters in NYC are "no kill" - because they do not have to take in animals that they do not welcome. That's fine. The NYCACC feels pressure to be "no kill" by saying that their adoption rate is 90% or something like that so surely they must be close to no kill. "Give me a star."
Let's not forget that this organization was CREATED by the City of NY in 1994 -- this is how they came into being. In the beginning, the commissioner of the DoH was the Chair - and on that board were commissioners of other city agencies including the Dept of Sanitation! Tone deaf -- We all "got it" at the time. "Animals are garbage." They even put signs on their garbage trucks, which of course wore off because they are - after all - trucks that get filthy picking up garbage. The Sanitation Commissioner (not alive anymore) testified at a city council hearing and spoke to "spraying" and neutering. Something I will never forgot. The man could not even use the correct terminology! These people did not have a clue -- and they created the CACC - a unit to change its name several times -now it is the Care Center. But make no mistake - they are controlled by NYC government - why else would they get a 34 year contract.
I find it all very disturbing because it is no longer about the individual animals but what they think is public perception.
"No kill" to organizations like the ACC., means getting animals out of the shelter via adoptions as quickly as possible - the awful degrading term "live release rate." Is it just me who sees this? I don't get it. I see the poor quality of their adoptions when people return the cat or dog. They appear to adopt out to anyone with a pulse. I have FOILed their adoption question and criteria - let's see if I get it.
But I will not put the blame solely on the NYCACC -- municipal shelters are a reflection of the society that created them. And the ACC is no different. Let's put the blame where it belongs - on the Mayor and City Council - (for decades) - and on all of us for not taking a stand. For starters - we need free/lowcost spay/neuter facilities that are easily accessible and promoted. No one should have to (and they don't) pay $1,000 for a cat spay. And to wait months for an appointment at one of the low cost and not easily accessible clinics is also not feasible.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
I agree. I live in a municipal area that has been encouraged by large non profits to leave healthy dogs on the streets so they can reach their goal of turning Texas No Kill. I believe in No Kill as described in this article. As a society, I'm not sure what gets one city--Austin--to turn out and not others. That answer isn't obvious to many municipal shelter directors. I don't know what else to push from a policy agenda--maybe we could fund shelters through very high taxes and fees on breeders? When I see how many people want a puppy, when I know how many older dogs are desperate for homes in shelters--I can't dwell on it, I just want ways to drive change.
Thank you, Lynn! Yes, it is disheartening to hear about policies that leave healthy dogs on the streets, and I agree that the true No-Kill approach, as described, is vital. Austin's success demonstrates what a committed community can achieve. Your idea of funding shelters through high taxes and fees on breeders is an interesting policy suggestion, one tried in LA with mixed results. It's important to keep pushing for innovative solutions and community engagement to drive meaningful change. Your insights and passion are greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for your thoughtful and engaging comment. Your insights highlight many of the challenges and complexities surrounding the no-kill movement, particularly in a large urban setting like NYC. It's true that some shelters can achieve no-kill status by limiting intake, a luxury not afforded to municipal shelters like NYCACC.
Your point about the historical context and the role of city governance in shaping the organization is important. The creation and evolution of the NYCACC reflect broader societal attitudes and priorities, and changing those perceptions is an ongoing challenge.
I agree that spay/neuter accessibility is vital to controlling pet overpopulation, and we must advocate for more low-cost, easily accessible options. Your concerns about adoption practices and the quality of care in municipal shelters are valid and underscore the need for continual improvement and community support. I especially agree with you that LRR can be a counterintuitive incentive resulting in unintended consequences.
Thank you again for contributing to this important dialogue. Your passion and dedication to animal welfare are truly inspiring. Let's continue working together to make a difference for the animals in our communities.
Yesterday, I ran into a woman on the subway with a tiny tea cup poodle in a carrier. She sat next to me. Adorable dog, of course, and as we started to talk, I refrained from asking where she "bought" her. But we had a discussion that focused on spay/neuter - and the HIGH cost. She had already begun to look into it and learned that the mobile unit sponsored by the ASPCA (and reimbursed by the Dept of Health) only operates in remote zip codes - and not in Manhattan - she lives in Harlem. The available slots "fill up" very quickly because the list always indicates that. The animal must be brought to the site by 6AM. In a city where many people rely on public transportation, (this woman also did not have a car) it is very challenging.
Then she spoke about another source - probably the Humane Society of NY (not to be confused with HSUS) where there was a one years wait.
Her experience with prices was the same as mine. Private vets have been charging upwards of $1,000 for a cat spay - and some require any number of costly vaccinations.
It's no wonder that most of the animals dumped at the NYCACC are intact - there is no public education and if there were - there are no viable solutions.
Elizabeth, thank you for sharing your encounter and the important issues you discussed. The high cost and accessibility challenges of spay/neuter services are significant barriers for many pet owners, and it's crucial to address these to prevent the many vexing problems that result from pet overpopulation. Your story highlights the need for more accessible and affordable options, as well as better public education. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of location or income, can access these services is essential for creating a No-Kill community. Your input is invaluable, and I appreciate you bringing this to light.
Thank you, Bob, for sharing your experience. It’s heartbreaking to hear about the challenges you faced while trying to adopt a pet. The adoption process should prioritize both the well-being of the animals and the prospective pet owners' needs, ensuring that loving homes are found swiftly and compassionately.
Your story highlights the need for balanced adoption criteria and more efficient processes to prevent unnecessary delays. It's crucial that shelters and rescues work together to streamline these procedures so more animals can find their forever homes without undue hardship.
Thank you for your dedication to adopting and giving a loving home to animals in need. Let’s hope for continued improvements in the adoption process so that future experiences are more positive for both pets and their new families.
Amen to that!