'No-kill' shelters face scrutiny as euthanasia debates rage on
The term 'no-kill' shelter is widely used but often misunderstood. A facility earns this label by saving at least 90% of its animals, allowing up to 10% to be euthanised. Yet critics argue the term creates false expectations and lacks clear oversight.
In 2024, the national save rate reached 82%, missing the 90% target set by Best Friends Animal Society. Meanwhile, debates continue over how shelters calculate and report their numbers.
Best Friends Animal Society has long promoted the 90% benchmark as a key measure of progress. The organisation claims this standard has helped reduce euthanasia rates over time. However, the national save rate for 2024 stood at 82%, still below the group's goal.
Some shelters avoid the 'no-kill' label entirely. They argue it misleads the public into thinking euthanasia never occurs. Others manipulate statistics by excluding certain animals from their counts, such as those deemed unadoptable or housed under 'limited admission' policies.
No official body regulates the use of the term, leading to inconsistent practices. Critics also question the reliability of Best Friends' data, as it relies on voluntary reports from a fraction of shelters. In 2024, even shelters meeting the 90% threshold euthanised around 425,000 dogs and cats.
Animal welfare advocates now call for clearer terminology and standardised reporting. Experts advise potential adopters and donors to look beyond labels. Instead, they recommend asking shelters for detailed data on intake, adoption, and euthanasia rates.
The 'no-kill' label remains controversial, with no unified system to verify claims. Shelters continue to use different methods for tracking and reporting save rates. For now, advocates urge transparency and caution when interpreting these figures.
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