This is a very "loaded topic," especially for those of us who volunteer/rescue.
The shelter where I volunteer is truly no-kill. Basically, a promise is made to each animal that is admitted to the shelter that they will be cared for as if the shelter was thier home and not just a warehouse for unwanted animals. We even get in trouble if we give them toys that are frayed or worn out and the bedding has to be color coordinated! The catch is you have to limit the number you bring in, which means not all animals are helped. Frankly, I don't think that being 100% open admitance is a better alternative b/c animals that are "euthanized" to make room for others are not "helped" anymore than the ones we turn away. As for this shelter (Operation Kindness in Dallas, TX), we have 2 FIV+ cats right now that are kept together. They spend their days in the shelter manager's office and get about 3 hours each morning to run in the lobby area and play together. We currently don't have any Felv+ cats and only have had 3 test positive in the past 7 years or so. Two of those were adopted by someone on this list! Had she not taken them, I can assure you they would still be living a happy life at OK. For the record, the group who started the grassroots "no kill" movement INTENDED that to apply to animals that are adoptable OR TREATABLE. The problem comes in how certain groups interpret terms like "treatable." Some groups considere ringworm grounds for euthanasia! Then there are groups who probably fit the definition of "no kill" (like Pam's group, Carolina Cats), but don't use it b/c they don't want to mislead the public. Traditional shelters resent no-kills b/c they say that term is used to produce warm fuzzy feelings in the community and get more donations, etc. Which is true. Some do that. And it's not fair or ethical in my opinion. Basically the line is a fuzzy one. What is an illness serious enough to warrant taking a life? How do you define an animal as "aggressive" or one that just needs behavior modification? Speaking for OK only, we do not consider FIV, FELV, or FIP cats candidates for euthanasia just b/c of a test result. Now if they are sick and suffering badly, that is another story. I know the shelter has spent lots of money for surgeries, medical treatments, dog training for seriously misbehaving dogs (aggressive), etc. The decision to put one down is not taken lightly or done w/o lots of thought. Much like when we as "owners" make the choice to release our pets from their suffering. Just my two cents! :) Jamie
