Dog Information
The phrase “No Kill” has become overused, misunderstood, and often used to manipulate. It is now a signal to DONATE HERE. It is too frequently used to indicate a purity of purpose that makes one rescue group more deserving of financial support than another. An interesting evolution of this phrase is the attachment of the words “the largest.” Various rescues now seem to feel it necessary to describe themselves as the largest NO KILL rescue in the region, state, or country.
The decision of where to donate or what groups to support can be very complicated and needs to be made with all available facts. The KILL versus NO KILL philosophy is the second on my list of ten big issues to consider before making any donation decisions; and there are four equally important aspects of this issue to consider.
Facts about the KILL vs. NO KILL philosophy everyone should know:
1) Not all groups claiming to be NO KILL really are.
Unfortunately, there are a few rescue groups that understand the public’s current insistence on being a NO KILL rescue, so they advertise themselves as such. However, for a few groups, this is a blatant lie. For a few others, they maintain their NO KILL status by transferring dogs to KILL facilities. For these groups, their definition of NO KILL just means WE don’t kill–but they have no problem transferring dogs away and removing those dogs from their concern.
How can you know? If you volunteer for a rescue group and you routinely see signs on kennels indicating dogs to be transferred to another group, alarm bells should go off in your head. If you are not a volunteer, then knowing for sure can be difficult. Doing some online research into your group of interest might shed light on the truth. Very often, people who know the truth and are appalled by it–former volunteers or employees–will share that information online.
Only having one person’s word for anything is not wise, but it should inspire you to dig deeper; and help you realize that having a group claim to be NO KILL does not necessarily make it so. It would be wonderful if what people say could be guaranteed to be true. Unfortunately, money too often changes the rules.
2) There are “degrees” of NO KILL.
Many groups advertise themselves as NO KILL but readily admit that if an animal is extremely ill, is in pain that cannot be alleviated, or is a danger to people or other animals, it may be euthanized. For most Americans, this is an acceptable concept.
There are, however, rescue groups that take NO KILL to its extreme. These groups believe there is no acceptable situation for euthanasia. These group members believe animals should be medicated as necessary until they die “naturally.” Sadly, some of these same groups use pictures and/or stories about these animals to solicit donations.
Only you know your own personal philosophy about the euthanasia issue; but for this particular issue, you probably don’t want to support a group that treats death in a way you don’t support.
3) All rescues and shelters can become NO KILL!
NO KILL needs to be a societal goal, and we all need to be working to meet this goal. It will take time, money, volunteers, legal changes, and changes in philosophy, but it is possible! It is already happening.
Nathan Winograd is one of this country’s leaders in the NO KILL movement. His strategies for converting shelters from the methods of the past to the NO KILL philosophy have become the model for accomplishing this very important goal. You can find information about Nathan Winograd on my website or on his.
The important concept for you to understand here is that you must NOT make the assumption that rescue groups that cannot call themselves NO KILL actually WANT to be killing animals. Many groups are in the process of conversion and many others are willing to make the change with the right help. Maybe you can be that help.
4) Groups that are already NO KILL do not need your donation.
This may sound crass, but it is true. Groups that have already achieved the NO KILL goal have done so because they have a sufficient number of financial supporters and volunteers. Certainly, these groups would say they could do more with more; and, if you currently support such a group, your support needs to continue.
If you are just beginning your search and research for making a donation to an animal rescue, perhaps you can have a greater impact by helping groups that are actively pursuing the NO KILL goal, or by helping to change laws and public attitudes.
In conclusion, as you consider donating, make sure you do your due diligence. Educate yourself about all aspects of the animal rescue “industry.” Just as the KILL vs. NO KILL philosophy is more complicated than it initially appears, the same is true for all 10 big issues surrounding donations. Remember, this is only the second issue I have discussed. Be looking for the other eight; or go to my website where all 10 issues are discussed.
