No animals should be euthanized simply due to a lack of space in animal shelters. In fact, it should be unlawful to euthanize an animal for this or any other unmerited reason, just as it should be unlawful to euthanize a human being, out of respect for the sanctity of life. Provisions can and should be made for all animals requiring shelter and special care, without question, and via any necessary increment in taxes, to accommodate each and every sheltered and every potentially sheltered stray animal. School/class pet programs, non-traditional residential pet programs, prison pet programs, and proliferation of pet ownership via traditional methods are ideal transitional and/or permanent housing options for pets that would alleviate demand for traditional animal shelters. Legislation should be introduced and laws enforced that would shield renters who are interested in acquiring pets from having to pay excessive pet fees.
School/Class Pets
There was a discussion fairly recently on the news about a successful classroom pet program. Schools/colleges can too acquire class pets and/or incorporate animal sanctuaries into their campuses to compliment veterinary programs. They could additionally add the care of animals in campus sanctuaries to the list of student volunteer opportunities that students could perform to meet volunteer requirements for collegiate admission and/or graduation.
Non-traditional Residential Pet Programs
Non-traditional residential pet programs are another way to save animals and to provide companionship to individuals in residential settings, including senior citizen communities, dormitories, correctional facilities, etc.
Prison Pet Programs
The care and training of sheltered animals should be the responsibility and one of varied forms of unpaid service of prisoners, who should additionally be required to work for minimum wage juxtapose service and completion of educational programs. Prison pet programs are actually already in place, i.e. Prison Pet Partnership. Programs of this sort should be proliferated in all cities and states…
Proliferation of Traditional Pet Ownership
Placement of pets into traditional homes should be the primary method of rescue. Enabling this would require educating potential pet owners about resources, particularly potty training resources and supplies that would facilitate pet care and enabling more indigent persons to acquire and properly care for pets.
Incentives for Indigent Pet Ownership
Incentives for indigent pet ownership should include providing complimentary and/or discounted pet supplies, particularly potty supplies and pet food or pet food vouchers or allowances to indigent persons who are interested in acquiring pets.
Public Benefits for Pet Care by Indigent Owners
Indigent pet owners should be privileged to public benefits for pet care, i.e. those receiving or who qualify for Supplemental Nutrition benefits should receive a monthly allowance on their EBT cards for pet food. They should additionally be privileged to Peticaid or healthcare for their pets, which they should be able to add to their Medicaid* plans (those with private health insurance should additionally be capable of adding their pets to their plans). *Medicaid should be income-contingent and those receiving any manner of public benefits should be required to participate in empowerment programs via which they would be educated for and/or acquire viable employment or careers.
Conclusion
Euthanizing an animal simply due to a lack of or limited space in a shelter should be a major crime. Every effort should be made to save every animal, including the sickly and/or injured, in the same manner that such efforts should be made to save every human being. Animals in all of their prolificity are a gift to us from the Creator and we should treat each and every one of them with kindness and care to reciprocate His gesture of love. We ourselves would be healthier and happier and society a more civil place.