Commentary***A New Approach to NO-KILL

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Commentary***A New Approach to NO-KILLBack in the '70s when I was just beginning a career as a Canine Behaviorist [specializing in affection-based training methods], I would regularly leave my business cards with shelter staff and volunteers. I realized that a significant portion of dogs being brought in, were by exasperated 'owners' overwhelmed with what they believed to be insurmountable problems. The fact is, the majority of all canine behavioral problems can be solved quickly, simply--and HUMANELY. Almost invariably, when I demonstrated the basic tenets behind my methods to my clients, the light switch flipped on and the first thing out of their mouth was,"That's SO SIMPLE, why didn't I think of it!" I believe this can be said of the NO-KILL movement taking place, right now. NO-KILL is receiving an unwarranted bad rap because the concept behind it

is INCOMPLETE. Common sense dictates that you can NOT bring more animals into a shelter, than you are taking out.When we break down the problem of pet overpopulation we must look at the following root causes:A) Puppy MillsB) Irresponsible pet ownershipC) Licensed breeders and other special interest groups profiting from the sale of animals.To date, the focus has been on trying to pass legislation demanding mandatory spay/neuter ordinances, the burden of which would be passed on to average citizens. This type of legislation continues to be blocked not only by individuals, but by those in the animal peddling business--mainly licensed breeders. In order to solve a significant portion of the pet overpopulation problem, two things need to happen:1)The business community MUST become involved. By this, I'm referring to businesses that traditionally profit from selling animals, i.e., petshop owners and retail giants like

Petsmart, Petco, Petland, etc.Some of these retailers sell puppies and kittens, while others do not. More often than not, those that DO sell dogs and cats buy these animals via puppy mills--obviously the cheaper the animal, the higher the profit margin. Legitimate breeders must charge more because their costs include quality food, decent shelter and vet care...none of which puppy mills provide.Since the bottom line IS profit, why not take advantage of that mindset by asking ALL retail businesses selling animals and animal related products, to do their fair share by acquiring 100% of their puppies/kittens--dogs/cats from local shelters.For those retailers buying animals from puppy mills, this means an immediate INCREASE in their profit margin. Which brings me to my second point. 2) If retailers no longer support puppy mills MOST will be forced

out of business! We have now tackled two tremendous impediments to the success of NO-KILL. Taken a step further, the budget normally spent by shelters to house, feed and euthanize these animals, should then be redirected into mandatory spaying and neutering of every animal sold by retail outlets.There is no doubt that individual responsibility plays a major role in solving pet overpopulation, but until that's a reality, asking businesses who turn a profit from animals to step up to the plate and share the burden, will go along way in preventing the atrocities these poor souls face, unnecessarily, everyday. Brennan BrowneThe concept of 'animal rights' values the simple premise that ALL living creatures have a "right" to be allowed to live their lives as originally intended; without victimization--free from brutality. It is a right that EVERY being strives for.~Brennan Browne~

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