There are many pitfalls in becoming involved in running an animal shelter. The HSUS/HSI urges well-meaning animal protection groups to consider carefully before they do so. Allow us to speak to this issue both in general and specific terms.

First, and in the broadest sense, we believe that it is the government’s responsibility to provide animal control services in the community. This would include addressing in a humane manner the overpopulation of dogs and cats. It is the function of government to protect the health and well-being of its citizens. Proper animal control is directly related to this in that uncontrolled animals present health hazards such as rabies and other problems from animal bites. Stray animals transmit various zoonotic diseases. They play havoc with garbage and litter the community with their feces.

A humane animal control program involves much more than providing a shelter for homeless animals. It should include among other things licensing, rabies inoculation, and spay/neuter requirements for all owned dogs and cats, a leash law, pick-up of strays, sheltering, an adoption program, and provision for humane euthanasia of those animals too old, ill, or injured for adoption. This kind of comprehensive program, coupled with public education in pet owner responsibility, addresses the causes and not just the effects of animal problems.

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