The last few weeks have been spent reading, I've searched the Internet, and spoken with over 25 open admission shelter directors. The consensus is No Kill is the most destructive movement to harm shelter animals in over 30 years. At that time many veterinarians came forward and stated that all animals were healthier if animals were allowed one litter. In hindsight we know that was mistaken,but the No Kill Movement has matched that damage and then some in 15 years. If we continue to lose our focus, we are going to lose the war to save our animals.
During times of active duty, particularly on foreign soil, I would offer " universal" services to the people in my community. These affairs were necessary, and most folks got "something" but it was not ideal for carrying the message of the Catholic faith. I'm a chaplain, I can wear many coats, but only one feels right. I see that happening in the fabric of our society today. A one size fits all approach, serves no person well.
One of the pages I have followed, but not joined, is a discussion page marked as relating to No Kill. All of the posters are very committed but rarely approach No Kill as a unit. Nor do they critique the individual steps of the equation, putting a spotlight on the failings of a particular concept. The subject wanders off into TNR or breeders, and hoarding is getting a great deal of attention. It's on the rise with No Kill, the pressure to perform, to be the best little rescue in the west, and never admit that the animal is unadoptable. The breeder topic gets far more air time than it should, and rescues are given a glory they shouldn't have. Not every rescue is a hoarder, but a majority of hoarders see themselves as rescues. We are giving praise to a defective personality that needs to be sharply reined in.
No Kill uses rescues and volunteers as a huge part of the equation, yet resists any regulation for this segment of the animal community, that's insane. We regulate, groomers, vets, breeders,pet stores & boarding facilities, but just this one segment gets a pass on any regulation ? Makes an old man wonder how hoarding ever got so mainstream. A touch of sarcasm there.
The more appropriate/honest take on No Kill is that it's a movement based on anarchy. No rules, no restrictions of any kind, no license, leash or limit can interfere with No Kill's ability to shove animals out the door into a world that is not ready for them. Lip service is offered to S/N but it can never be allowed to interfere with " live release" That is from Winograds own assessments in Philly and elsewhere. As long as Mr. Winograd can pit the breeders against rescues, and the pet stores against the animal lovers, the TNR people against the anybody who doesn't want a yard full of cats, he will keep anything from being accomplished to sincerely help the animals. And the bickering among the general animal welfare public is the best tool Winograd has. There are egotists on both sides, only one is capable of growing up,
Glad to be back in the saddle
Chap
1 comment:
I am glad to see you are still here.
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