It is time that WV followed the example of other states and started to reform the animal shelters.  Here animals are killed due to overcrowding, yet no laws are in effect to govern the spay/neuter issue.  WV kills approximately 75% of all dogs that enter the shelters. The numbers alone are enough to speak the message that euthanasia of innocent animals is not the answer to the overpopulation problem.  Other measures must be taken to ensure that animals are not thrown into cages and sentenced to death.  "Humane" is not the euthanasia we typically think of when we shoot and gas our beloved furry friends. 

This year, some five million dogs and cats will be killed in shelters. The vast majority can and should be placed into loving homes or should never enter shelters in the first place.

An effective animal control program not only saves cities and counties on present costs by protecting citizens from dangerous dogs, for example—but also helps reduce the costs of animal control in the future. A City that impounds and euthanizes 4,000 animals in 2001… but does not promote spaying and neutering will probably still euthanize at least 4,000 animals a year in 2010. A City that institutes a subsidized spay/neuter program will likely euthanize significantly fewer animals in 2010 and save on a host of other animal-related costs as well.

Programs like ensuring public access to affordable spay/neuter services, allowing rescue groups to save animals on death row, and communitywide TNR for feral cats. These are not radical concepts, but in the current sheltering world, one can be ostracized for daring to proclaim the simple truths that population control killing is not an act of kindness and that dogs and cats have a right to live. In the length of time it will take you to read this, nearly one hundred dogs and cats will be needlessly killed.

Change must start NOW and should address the four aspects crucial to a successful animal control program: saving animals, protecting people, fiscal restraint, and mitigating liability.

No Kill Sheltering is the key and the programs included are:
1. Comprehensive adoption programs that operate during weekend and evening hours and include offsite adoption venues
2. Rescue group access to shelter animals
3.Volunteer programs to socialize animals, promote adoptions, and help in the operations of the shelter
4.TNR programs ..Trap/Neuter/Return
5.A foster care network for under aged, traumatized, sick, injured, or other animals needing refuge
6. Medical and behavioral rehabilitation programs
7. High volume, low-cost public spay/neuter and spay/neuter of animals before adoption
8. Pet retention programs to solve medical, environmental, or behavioral problems and keep animals with their caring and responsible caregivers
9.A clean shelter, where animals are provided prompt veterinary care, adequate nutrition, shelter, exercise, and socialization.

We the undersigned would like to see regional no-kill shelters constructed that will assist counties in putting the policies stated above into action and setting an example that NO KILL animal control is not only a possibility but a realistic and humane way to conquer the overpopulation problem.  If the state is not willing to construct these facilities then consider funding the no kill shelters run by private individuals already in existance.  Statewide reform is needed and should be set into action. County Humane officers need to be appointed and given authority to write tickets, seize dogs, enforce the laws we have and ensure the safety and treatment of animals in their county.  We as citizens of WV and animal lovers all over the nation are demanding that these issues be addressed.