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The Washington Area Humane Society is a no-kill shelter,
meaning we do not euthanize animals to make room for other animals. We
pride ourselves on giving every animal a second, even third chance at a
loving permanent home regardless of age or medical condition. Our only
exceptions are those cases where "quality of life" is severely affected
and for cases of public safety. We would not knowingly allow an animal
to suffer nor pose a safety risk to the community.
WAHS is funded solely by
private contributions, takes in more than 4,000 animals and investigates 700
abuse cases annually.
The No Kill Shelter
Conundrum
When people find out that this is a no kill
shelter they sigh with relief. The reality is that what makes this a
feel-good public policy is also what makes it even more difficult to
maintain.
The shelter has 36 kennels for dogs and when
overcrowded, dogs have been temporarily corralled in the office, the
supply room and even the bathrooms! When our animals are not quickly
adopted and there is no more room at the inn, deserving dogs like Randy,
the cocker spaniel whose owner died, or Bear who was adopted a year ago
but came back because his owner suffered a stroke cannot be taken in. As a
result, good Samaritans who pick up a stray or rescue an animal from a
neglectful home find that they have to turn the animal over to an
alternative shelter where their existence has a time limit.
Ours is not a haven for pets … it’s a humane
prison. Please understand that without your help in adopting these pets,
and in donating money and supplies for their ongoing care that the
consequences for many other animals are grim.
Of course, the best of all
worlds is if pet owners everywhere would commit to neutering and providing
responsible care and training for their pets. That would reduce the burden
on all shelters and the payoff is a long, satisfying relationship with
their loyal, loving companions.
For more information about the shelter and answers
to many common questions click here. |
