OF3-4/18/07 8:25AM A MORE HUMANE WAY FOR ANIMAL SHELTERS
Millions of cats and dogs are being killed in animal shelters every year but in many cities around the country, there's a new "NO KILL" policy.
"People didn't think that the problem could be solved. It was so overwhelming." said Rich Avanzino, Maddie's Fund.
At most of America's 6 thousand animal shelters, abandoned pets can stay just days before they're killed. Between 5 and 9 million every year. But today, about 35 per cent more animals are saved, thanks to a movement called "no kill."
"this problem can be solved an in relatively short order. It will be done in our lifetime or less. " said Avanzino.
Rich Avanzino, president of Maddie's Fund, a charity that's spent almost 90 million dollars in seven years to make the U-S a No Kill Nation. He says animal advocates and animal control must work to neuter animals and find them homes.
"if we could find homes for just 3 million more dogs and cats which is less than 2 per cent of the companion animals owned today. We can solve the problem overnight." said Avanzino.
Jane Hoffman is president of the Mayor's Alliance for New York City's Animals which includes a hundred different groups. The Alliance got $15.5 million from Maddie's Fund, its biggest grant ever. New York's shelter euthanasia rate has dropped by a third.
"if we can choose this in New York City, which is an incredibly dense urban environment with a lot of challenges. I don't think anybody can say you cannot do this in any part of the country." said Jane Hoffman, President Mayor's Alliance for New York City's Animals.
Shelters in cities like Miami, Philadelphia and Los Angeles are already No Kill. 5-thousand other cities in 20 states are either aiming for NO KILL or already are. The goal?
"the ultimate goal for me is to go out of business." said Hoffman.
"it's going to work where ever people care. And that's why we will have a no kill nation." said Avanzino.
The Osgood File. Charles Osgood on the CBS Radio Network.
The Osgood File. April 18, 2007 |
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