Austin=(mostly) No-Kill

It is amazing to see moments when government, local in this instance, really comes through for its citizens. In March of 2010, the Austin City Council voted unanimously to move the city towards becoming no-kill.  For animal advocates and animal lovers, like myself, that day was pretty monumental. The city's goal was to reach this within two years. Since the vote, I have been curious as to how the city has been progressing. A recent article in the editorial section from the Austin American Statesman shed some very promising light on the topic.

The goal has actually been to make the Town Lake Animal Center (TLAC) 90% no-kill, meaning animals could still be faced with the possibility of euthanization. These instances would be if the animal came to the shelter with a serious medical illness/condition or if the animal exhibited dangerous/agressive behavior. But, the numbers are looking extremely promising. By June of this year, the shelter was 91% no-kill and had been at that status for about 6 months. That is no small feat considering close to 23,000 animals come through the shelter doors each year. In addition, KXAN reported that prior to the vote in 2010, TLAC was euthanizing 32% of the animals coming through each year.

The progress is due in no small part to those in the local community who have been consistently speaking up at City Hall. These animal advocates have done so much to save so many animals' lives in the community. There influence in creating this change in the city is beyond commendable. But, to continue this progress, I agree that the city will have to expand its programs. Educating animal owners is key. Owners need to be aware of ways to properly care for their pets and have affordable resources for spaying/neutering, vaccinations, identification, etc.

Animal welfare may seem like a strange political issue. But, when you consider that $12 million of the city's budget will go towards funding the new TLAC facility in East Austin, you can see some reason for the debate, especially since there has been so much talk of late concerning the city and state's budget shortfalls. Sure. This isn't immigration, health care reforms or capital punishment here. This is the important stuff that we face everyday. I, like so many of the thousands of Austin residents who have adopted from the TLAC, are ecstatic over what some might consider a small success. To many, our animals are a vital members of our families. So, if that means I may have to pay an additional city fee here and there, I am willing to contribute, as small as the contribution may be. I would gladly spend a little extra on, for example, parking downtown if that meant I could help throw in a tiny bit more into the pool.

Like the author of this article, I, along with the animal-loving community in Austin, applaud the City Council, TLAC's efforts, Austin Pets Alive, Austin Humane Society and all of the vocal advocates for the progress that has been made in moving towards a no-kill goal. There are still some big steps to take. But, the advances are immense. I hope that the city continues to move in this direction and Austin residents continue to adopt and save the lives of the animals in the shelter. These animals really do contribute so much to our lives.

My dog, Stella, was adopted from the TLAC in 2007.