Point:
Preventing Suffering—Not Prolonging Lives

by Erica Meier and Cory Smith

Needle-happy killers. Heartless murderers. "I could never do your job; I love animals too much." An "inhumane" society. These are comments we, as shelter employees and euthanasia technicians, hear from some people in the animal rights community, from our side. (Never mind what we've been called by those who mistreat animals.) Our society has carelessly brought about a tragic overpopulation crisis that is not only the source of immeasurable animal suffering, but has the animal movement waging war on itself in search of a solution.

Open admission animal shelters in the United States care for an estimated 30 million sick, injured, scared, lost, lonely, cold, tired, or hungry companion animals yearly. They often provide animals with the first warm bed, good meal, and kind hand they have ever known. Without shelters and their open-door policies, the fate that awaits these animals is grim, at best. Starvation, dehydration, disease, neglect, injury, and abuse by humans are just a few of the injustices shelter employees see everyday. Some find this an acceptable risk, claiming that shelters provide an easy out for irresponsible "owners," and that any life is better than death. But, as guardians of these domesticated animals, we owe them more than an occasional hand-out of food and a wish for the best. Knowingly leaving an animal in a less-than-ideal situation to avoid the risk of euthanasia at a shelter is a selfish act that compromises the animal's quality of life and essentially places our own consciences above their happiness and well being.

Shelters are a temporary compromise for dogs and cats, not a solution to their homelessness. That shelters are not working hard enough to find permanent or foster homes for animals is a misguided accusation, and also places blame on them—pardoning the public from its irresponsible behavior. Despite aggressive adoption and foster programs, the number of homeless animals entering shelters far exceeds the number of good homes looking to adopt a furry companion. Euthanasia becomes a necessary "evil," and no one despises that ugly reality more than the people who hold the syringe.

"No-kill" facilities have the luxury of choosing the animals they admit, accepting only the most adoptable ones and turning away others in need. Others take in more than they can properly care for, overcrowding them in cages, chaining them to fences, or stashing them away in any available space. These animals may spend months…even years…waiting for a loving family to offer them a better life.

Companion animals need more than food, water, and protection from the elements. They need and deserve regular human companionship, respect for their individuality, and to play, walk about, and feel love. Animals are deprived of these basic needs when they are warehoused, left on the street to fend for themselves, or confined in a shelter indefinitely. We are obligated to them to prevent their suffering, not to prolong their lives at any cost.

Erica Meier currently works at the Washington Humane Society's Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic. She has worked at the D.C. Animal Shelter as an Animal Control Officer and managed PETA's Rescue Division. She shares her home with three cats and two rabbits.
Cory Smith is currently an Animal Control Officer for the D.C. Animal Shelter. She was formerly a humane educator at Washington Humane Society, teaching compassion to D.C.'s youth. She has also worked in HSUS' Companion Animals Outreach department and in the field of domestic violence. She lives with two cats.

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