Solving Virginia's animal overpopulation problem

‘Why do you kill innocent animals? What kind of monsters are you?”

Such accusations are not unusual, and they break my heart. The caretakers at the Lynchburg Humane Society amaze me with their devotion and the unrelenting care they give unfortunate, homeless animals. The gentle love they show abused and discarded pets is touching beyond words.

In 2007, more than 101,000 companion animals were euthanized in the state of Virginia. While that number is an improvement over 116,000 in 2006 and nearly 127,000 in 2005, the statistics are alarmingly high. Fortunately, public education about responsible pet ownership and the creation of low-cost spay/neuter clinics in our state are gradually helping to lower those numbers. It is imperative that the overpopulation problem be successfully controlled, so that euthanasia will only be necessary under special circumstances and every adoptable animal finds a proper home.

In discussing the overpopulation problem, we frequently hear the terms “kill” and “no-kill” used to describe animal shelters, but we rarely understand the reality behind these misnomer labels. A “no-kill” shelter may appear more humane by not practicing euthanasia, but these shelters are limited to the number of animals they are able to accept because they remain full. When “no-kill” shelters are unable to accept an animal, that animal usually ends up at an open admission shelter where euthanasia is permitted in order to accept all animals surrendered at the door. As a result, when these open admission facilities reach capacity, some animals have to be euthanized.

The Lynchburg Humane Society is an open admission facility that accepts animals whose health, ages, breeds or personalities are irrelevant. Because the doors to the LHS are always open, the shelter takes in a staggering number of animals. At any one time, the LHS cares for 200-plus animals with a staff of nine. Our volunteers, adoption counselors and shelter staff care very much about the well-being of these animals and work tirelessly to help every family-friendly pet find a new home or be reunited with its owner. Sadly, the LHS recognizes that the overpopulation problem requires us to humanely dispose of animals that remain un-adopted or are deemed unsuitable for adoption.

Bottom line, there are more animals than there are homes for, and when shelters reach capacity, decisions must be made. It is unfair and inhumane to warehouse animals in shelters, as it does not provide the animals with the quality of life they deserve. Our companion animals desire to be in our homes, and too many animals remain homeless in our shelters.

There are several ways Virginians can support the end to the pet overpopulation problem. Surgical sterilization is the most effective, long-term solution, and prevents countless unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. The South Central Spay/Neuter Clinic offers low-cost spay and neuter services to low- and fixed-income families.

Another solution is adopting from a shelter that doesn’t discriminate, such as the Lynchburg Humane Society. In addition, monetary donations aid in the effort to provide care for numerous homeless animals that need food, shelter, and love. Privately funded shelters do not have enough resources to save all the animals. But with more room and more staff, open admission shelters could save more
animals.

Want to help? Find out more about spaying and neutering by contacting the Lynchburg Humane Society at www.lynchburghumanesociety.org or at (434) 846-1438. You can also support programs that aid animals and educate the public with a donation, as well as helping fund much-needed food, supplies and veterinary care for our innocent and highly loveable residents.

If you’re going
WHAT: Dedication of Lights and Homecoming Celebration
WHEN: 5 to 7 p.m., Dec. 7
WHERE: Lynchburg Humane Society, 3305 Naval Reserve Road.
INFO: This event has become a holiday tradition. People honor and/or memorialize two-legged and four-legged friends by making a donation for which a light will be lit and a star hung in recognition of each name. People and four-legged friends gather at the event, which is called a homecoming because the LHS encourages people to bring LHS alumni that have been adopted during years past. Four-legged creatures should be on leashes. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www.lynchburghumanesociety.org or call (434) 846-1438.