Dogs, cats, bunnies, ferrets, guinea pigs, parrots, finches are examples of companion animals. We share our homes and lives with these magnificient beings, finding joy and peace through our interaction. We'll provide the latest information designed to enrich your life with your companion animal.
Companion Animal Overpopulation
Annually, over 5 million dogs and cats are killed in United States animal shelters. In Michigan, it's believed that at least 200,000 dogs and cats will be killed in 2008. If nothing changes, between 2008 and 2013, Michiganders will have allowed 1,000,000 dogs and cats to be killed in their shelters. While the situation may seem hopeless, it's not.
The killing has been stopped in other regions of the United States. The northeastern states concentration on sterlization programs is succeeding. Puppies are regularily imported to shelters in New Hampshire for example, because there are very few unwanted litters.
Strangely, Michigan rescue groups and shelters like Michigan Humane Society, are importing puppies from other states, while litter after litter is killed in Michigan. It's difficult to understand why Michigan's meager charitable and governmental resources are spent transporting litters of puppies from outside of Michigan.
Adoption Option
The first component of successful overpopulation reduction programs is an aggressive adoption program. In other states, shelters strive to place dogs and cats in adoptive homes instead of killing them. Adoptions are promoted on the internet, in the newspapers and on television. Shelters work with rescue groups who take excess animals and care for them until they are adopted. Successful shelters market themselves as the first place to go to find a new companion.
Sterilization Programs
The second component of successful overpopulation reduction programs is low-cost or free sterlization for companion animals. Reducing the number of births over a period of years will result in a dramatic reduction of the number of homeless pets entering shelters. The most successful sterlization programs have 2 components, education and low-cost or free sterlization services.
Education
The third requirement of a successful program is education. Communicating with the general public about issues affecting the companion animal population is essential. Shelters should be the place to find not only a companion, but the latest information about behavior training, veterinary medicine and community concerns affecting our companions.
Successful shelters also participate in continuing education. Staff learns best practises and innovations by continuing its education.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN MICHIGAN?
In many ways, Michigan's official relationship has remained unchanged for decades. Attempts at changing the culture of killing have been met with resistance. Many humane organizations and governmental shelters are led by individuals who refuse to change, so the killing continues.
There are glimmers of hope. In 2005 the Oakland County Pet Fund announced that Oakland County would become a No More Homeless Pets County. This means, all humane organizations in Oakland County would join together to reduce and eventually eliminate the killing of the county's homeless pets. This successful effort should serve as a model for other counties, but sadly, change has been slow.
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