Animal shelters were recognized for programs that reduce the number of animals euthanized each year. |
Nine animal shelters received recognition for innovative programs that have “made a measurable impact on euthanasia in their communities by reducing pet overpopulation and/or increasing the number of animals adopted.” The AHA honored these groups in response to its national initiative, “Getting to Zero: Ending Euthanasia of Healthy and Treatable Animals.”
At its annual conference in September, the AHA invited shelters to share their best practices for reducing the number of animals euthanized. Animal welfare groups submitted dozens of ideas, and the AHA recognized those programs that can help make the goal of “getting to zero” a reality.
“One of our highest priorities is the reduction and eventual elimination of euthanasia of healthy and treatable dogs and cats,” said Marie Belew Wheatley, AHA president and CEO. “… The millions of healthy, adoptable dogs and cats euthanized each year remains an unconscionable situation that must be corrected.”
The shelters recognized for their successful programs in adoption, foster care, spay/neuter, training and transfer, and education include:
- Humane Society of Boulder Valley, Boulder, Colo.
- San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, San Diego
- Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls (BAD RAP), San Francisco
- Tompkins County SPCA, Ithaca, N.Y.
- Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic, Asheville, N.C.
- Solutions to Overpopulation of Pets, Concord, N.H.
- PetSmart Charities Rescue Waggin’, Phoenix
- Santa Ana Police Department Animal Services, Pet Amigos Program, Santa Ana, Calif.
- Peterson Express Transport Service (PETS, LLC), Cookeville, Tenn.
For more information about the AHA’s “Getting to Zero” initiative, visit the AHA website.