Have you ever taken a lost dog to your local animal shelter, only to be told it was “full” and wouldn’t help? Or tried to rescue a cat found struggling to survive the freezing cold, only to be told to put her back on the street? Have you ever sought a shelter’s help with providing relief for an elderly, injured, sick, or dying animal— only to be turned away? PETA’s shelter is the only one in its region with an on-call team available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and which takes in all comers—no appointments, no waiting lists, no fees. But every single day, we hear from people who were turned away by other agencies. Many come to us seeking end-of-life help, as the cost of veterinary care, including euthanasia, continues to rise. While we provide this free, vital service, other area shelters promote “no-kill” policies—a feel-good term that typically means “no entry”: turning away animals and people in need. Abby’s guardian called PETA’s shelter weeping. Her 15-year-old dog was suffering from advanced cancer and had a large mammary tumor that had ruptured and become infected. Abby was lethargic, dehydrated, and steadily declining. Within the hour, PETA’s staff gave her the dignity of a peaceful and painless death. When other shelters say, “We’re full,” PETA says, “We’ll help.” ADCAP05 Around the country, many shelters have forsaken what it means to be shelters.
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