Can anyone with any compassion at all say they would rather kill animals than to promote adoptions or that they would rather kill animals than to work with animal rescues? I know the answer would be, “NO.”
Opposition to No Kill means they reject foster care or rescues and are in favor of killing. They reject getting medical care for a dog or cat in favor of killing. They reject knocking on doors or the scanning of dogs and cats in the field by our animal officers, in order to get lost dogs and cats home, in favor of killing. These same people would rather reject our adoption program in favor of killing.
You know the opponents of No Kill won’t say that. Some say that No Kill will not work and the No Kill philosophy is not the answer. Those opposed to No Kill haven’t embraced the No Kill equation, which has been proven to work.
Some people are good with maintaining the status quo because No Kill requires extra work. Then there are those who take advantage of a situation at the expense of the animals; those who have never actually done anything themselves, but think that by not supporting our efforts, they ride on our coattails to their own recognition.
These people are out of touch with the direction of our future with animals. They are out of touch with how most people feel about animals and what they want for them. They are out of touch with the reality that the dogs and cats in this world deserve better. These people need to realize they need to step aside while we work toward a No Kill community.
I have been told that No Kill will not work. I have been asked why I would waste my time doing something that is destined to fail. My response was to ask if they looked at our No Kill plan or the No Kill equation and if they have tried any of the programs. The immediate response I received was that they already do all of the programs in the equation and nothing has changed. I explained they can’t look at these on the surface and expect to see a change. I did, at first, being a bit reserved to the concept. My outlook changed, we made a workable plan and were welcomed by the community with open arms. I believe it is true, for those who oppose or talk negatively about No Kill, they don’t want the extra work. They seem to be happy with the way things are going. They may lack creativity and innovation.
You bet it is more work and if the best you can do is to downplay those of us who are making a difference, maybe you can redirect that energy to make a difference as well. If you don’t try, how do you know?
All of us dedicated to becoming a No Kill community must keep our heads up and focus on our ultimate goal, to save the dogs and cats. Animals are betting their lives on us and we must not let them down.
If you never have to look into the eyes of a dog or cat and make a choice, you are lucky. One day, we all would like to be lucky, too.
Adopt your new family member from Manatee County Animal Services today. Don’t forget about our February adoption special. What a better way to enjoy the end of football season than with a new pet. Manatee County is in the process of becoming a “No-Kill Community” and for the month of February all adoption prices are “Half Off for Half Time.” All adopted animals will be spayed/neutered, have a current health check, vaccinations and a microchip. Prices include a license certificate/tag for Manatee County residents.
Kris Weiskopf, chief of Manatee County Animal Services, writes this weekly column for the Bradenton Herald.
