How Animal Balance’s Mobile Animal Sterilization Hospitals, proven in the Galápagos and beyond, could give American cities a practical roadmap to end pet overpopulation humanely.
This is a wonderful and logical argument for changing the emphasis in sheltering to prevention to decrease pet overpopulation rather than hopelessly try to find homes for all. In the red states of the south, I anticipate headwinds in passing a spay-tax. Getting community buy-in through serious educational outreach would be better received and more palatable for politicians. As mentioned in the article, education will be an essential component for success, especially reaching segments that habitually allow their pets to reproduce. We are here for you in Tennessee!
You’re absolutely right, Robin, that shifting the emphasis from rescue to prevention is both more logical and more humane, especially in regions where shelters are overwhelmed and “adopt them all out” is simply not realistic. Education and community buy‑in will make or break any spay-neuter policy, and your point about tailoring outreach to segments that routinely allow pets to reproduce is exactly on target. Partnering with local leaders, vets, and faith communities in places like Tennessee and across the South can help frame prevention not as punishment, but as protection for both animals and families.
It means a great deal to know you’re “here for us” in Tennessee, and that there are allies on the ground ready to push for smart, compassionate solutions.
After some 70 years as an animal advocate, and belonging to /supporting some 100 AR/Environ. groups along the way as one concern led to another, one of the unfortunate results has been a growing loathing of my own species or those who are beyond redemption, have no morals or qualms about harming or killing others of their own and other species and even relishing or taking genuine pleasure in doing so. As a person who wants to show affection and caring in every aspect of my life and being even a 'romantic' at heart, this has been a burden on my heart and soul. I have such gratitude for all those courageous persons who meet the despicable acts against persons and animals and act to mitigate or end their vile and wilful forms of cruelties. I know we must Carry On Regardless and will. Thank you for addressing all these many concerns and doing so in such an easily understandable fashion.
Elaine, thank you for sharing this so openly and for carrying that fierce compassion for animals for so many years. Your words mean more than you know, and voices like yours are exactly why this work will, as you say, carry on regardless.
I join others in thanking you for this inspirational article which so well clarifies the problems and viable solutions under which our current Shelters are burdened. While ignorant of the specifics of such operations, everything outlined appears to be so rational and doable. Indeed COMMON SENSE prevails as it cuts through all the emotional fog attached to this concern. Just get the job done. There will always be push back from those who still are financially rewarded from sticking to the old model, but so be it. We MUST end that which is no longer working for society and the animals who deserve our utmost care and thoughtful attention.
Thank you, Elaine. I really appreciate your thoughtful reflection. You captured the heart of the piece exactly, and once the fog clears, the solution is strikingly rational. The challenge now is helping more leaders see that prevention is not only humane, but entirely doable, even in complex systems. I’m grateful you took the time to engage so deeply with it.
Thank you, SfS, that means a great deal. I’m glad the piece left you feeling inspired. Emma’s work has a way of doing that, especially when you see how practical and achievable this vision really is. I appreciate you reading and sharing that response.
Thank you, AJ. Texas and eastern New Mexico are exactly the kinds of regions where this model could make a real difference. Hopefully this conversation helps spark some local interest and momentum.
Thank you, Deb. That truly means a lot to me. I’m grateful you’re reading, engaging, and sharing the work. It makes these conversations possible and worthwhile.
Thank you for helping in Albuquerque, New Mexico the past few years! I have been a volunteer at the clinics and there is a joyful energy in the room each time I go to one. Also thank you for all you have done in Galapagos and other areas outside the US, what a wonderful feeling for all those involved in this success!
Unfortunately we have a very high pet overpopulation per capita as you know in the south and here in New Mexico. It is hard to understand the numbers as there is a lack of transparency, even in the Albuquerque area shelters. We also have a strong community of rescuers, however there will never be enough foster homes unless change becomes a more interesting model.
The directors have the best relationship with the local government to make the difference as they have the biggest voice and connections to the local government. What your thoughts are on getting a city like ours to be the first city to make this turnaround? (We have a mayor that likes animals, which is good!)
I guess I’m asking how to market/sell it to the existing players, as their buy in as you know is most important. Is there something I are missing or that isn’t being addressed? Why wouldn’t this be something a shelter director would be doing everything possible to do? I would think it would make them a superstar and would advance their career, as per how people perceived the Mayor of Galapagos….
Thank you, Sharon, for volunteering at the Albuquerque clinics. That joyful, focused energy you describe is exactly what people feel when they see M.A.S.H. in action. It’s real, and it’s contagious.
You’re right about the barriers: lack of transparency, foster fatigue, and systems that reward managing volume rather than preventing it. What shifts the needle, in my experience, is a clear demonstration paired with political cover; showing leaders and shelter directors a working model that reduces pressure, improves outcomes, and aligns with public values. A mayor who already cares about animals is a huge asset.
You’re not missing anything. Often the hesitation isn’t about logic or compassion. It’s about risk, inertia, and unfamiliarity. Once leaders see that prevention-first makes their jobs easier, not harder, buy-in follows. Communities like yours are exactly where this kind of turnaround can begin.
I don't even know where to start. This article is pure inspiration, yet common sense and clearly "No Birth" is the next evolution for the adulterated "No Kill" movement.
Thank you, Carmen. I share your sense that this moment calls for clarity and courage; and that “No Birth” is a necessary next step, not a rejection of what came before. I appreciate your thoughtful engagement.
This is a wonderful and logical argument for changing the emphasis in sheltering to prevention to decrease pet overpopulation rather than hopelessly try to find homes for all. In the red states of the south, I anticipate headwinds in passing a spay-tax. Getting community buy-in through serious educational outreach would be better received and more palatable for politicians. As mentioned in the article, education will be an essential component for success, especially reaching segments that habitually allow their pets to reproduce. We are here for you in Tennessee!
You’re absolutely right, Robin, that shifting the emphasis from rescue to prevention is both more logical and more humane, especially in regions where shelters are overwhelmed and “adopt them all out” is simply not realistic. Education and community buy‑in will make or break any spay-neuter policy, and your point about tailoring outreach to segments that routinely allow pets to reproduce is exactly on target. Partnering with local leaders, vets, and faith communities in places like Tennessee and across the South can help frame prevention not as punishment, but as protection for both animals and families.
It means a great deal to know you’re “here for us” in Tennessee, and that there are allies on the ground ready to push for smart, compassionate solutions.
After some 70 years as an animal advocate, and belonging to /supporting some 100 AR/Environ. groups along the way as one concern led to another, one of the unfortunate results has been a growing loathing of my own species or those who are beyond redemption, have no morals or qualms about harming or killing others of their own and other species and even relishing or taking genuine pleasure in doing so. As a person who wants to show affection and caring in every aspect of my life and being even a 'romantic' at heart, this has been a burden on my heart and soul. I have such gratitude for all those courageous persons who meet the despicable acts against persons and animals and act to mitigate or end their vile and wilful forms of cruelties. I know we must Carry On Regardless and will. Thank you for addressing all these many concerns and doing so in such an easily understandable fashion.
Elaine, thank you for sharing this so openly and for carrying that fierce compassion for animals for so many years. Your words mean more than you know, and voices like yours are exactly why this work will, as you say, carry on regardless.
I join others in thanking you for this inspirational article which so well clarifies the problems and viable solutions under which our current Shelters are burdened. While ignorant of the specifics of such operations, everything outlined appears to be so rational and doable. Indeed COMMON SENSE prevails as it cuts through all the emotional fog attached to this concern. Just get the job done. There will always be push back from those who still are financially rewarded from sticking to the old model, but so be it. We MUST end that which is no longer working for society and the animals who deserve our utmost care and thoughtful attention.
Thank you, Elaine. I really appreciate your thoughtful reflection. You captured the heart of the piece exactly, and once the fog clears, the solution is strikingly rational. The challenge now is helping more leaders see that prevention is not only humane, but entirely doable, even in complex systems. I’m grateful you took the time to engage so deeply with it.
Absolutely terrific. Thanks Ed for featuring this article and hats off to Emma Clifford. I'm left feeling quite inspired.
Thank you, SfS, that means a great deal. I’m glad the piece left you feeling inspired. Emma’s work has a way of doing that, especially when you see how practical and achievable this vision really is. I appreciate you reading and sharing that response.
This is a fantastic model that I think would work well in Texas/Eastern New Mexico's Permian Basin area.
Thank you, AJ. Texas and eastern New Mexico are exactly the kinds of regions where this model could make a real difference. Hopefully this conversation helps spark some local interest and momentum.
Thank you Ed!
Your articles are informative, current, courteous, and inspiring.
I tell everyone I know Animal-Advocacy to read your SubStack column.
Thank you, Deb. That truly means a lot to me. I’m grateful you’re reading, engaging, and sharing the work. It makes these conversations possible and worthwhile.
Thank you for helping in Albuquerque, New Mexico the past few years! I have been a volunteer at the clinics and there is a joyful energy in the room each time I go to one. Also thank you for all you have done in Galapagos and other areas outside the US, what a wonderful feeling for all those involved in this success!
Unfortunately we have a very high pet overpopulation per capita as you know in the south and here in New Mexico. It is hard to understand the numbers as there is a lack of transparency, even in the Albuquerque area shelters. We also have a strong community of rescuers, however there will never be enough foster homes unless change becomes a more interesting model.
The directors have the best relationship with the local government to make the difference as they have the biggest voice and connections to the local government. What your thoughts are on getting a city like ours to be the first city to make this turnaround? (We have a mayor that likes animals, which is good!)
I guess I’m asking how to market/sell it to the existing players, as their buy in as you know is most important. Is there something I are missing or that isn’t being addressed? Why wouldn’t this be something a shelter director would be doing everything possible to do? I would think it would make them a superstar and would advance their career, as per how people perceived the Mayor of Galapagos….
Thank you, Sharon, for volunteering at the Albuquerque clinics. That joyful, focused energy you describe is exactly what people feel when they see M.A.S.H. in action. It’s real, and it’s contagious.
You’re right about the barriers: lack of transparency, foster fatigue, and systems that reward managing volume rather than preventing it. What shifts the needle, in my experience, is a clear demonstration paired with political cover; showing leaders and shelter directors a working model that reduces pressure, improves outcomes, and aligns with public values. A mayor who already cares about animals is a huge asset.
You’re not missing anything. Often the hesitation isn’t about logic or compassion. It’s about risk, inertia, and unfamiliarity. Once leaders see that prevention-first makes their jobs easier, not harder, buy-in follows. Communities like yours are exactly where this kind of turnaround can begin.
I don't even know where to start. This article is pure inspiration, yet common sense and clearly "No Birth" is the next evolution for the adulterated "No Kill" movement.
Thank you, Carmen. I share your sense that this moment calls for clarity and courage; and that “No Birth” is a necessary next step, not a rejection of what came before. I appreciate your thoughtful engagement.