P.O. Box 80663
Lincoln, NE 68501
402 - 476 - 4414
info@animalrescuesoc.org
Alternatives to disposing of a companion at "the Pound"
Let's begin by pointing out that no companion animal asked to be brought into the world. Animals are here either because
1) we intentionally bred them into existence or
2) we didn't take steps to prevent their existence.
Just as no human being ever asked to be born, neither did any animal ask to be born. Therefore, if we make the decision to bring this animal into the world, or are negligent about preventing it's birth, we have a moral obligation to care for that animal just as we do our children. In a perfect world animals could run free and take care of themselves, but we do not live in a perfect world.
Animals must belong to or be owned by someone, otherwise there are entities such as animal control agencies and so-called Humane Societies (Pounds) that will step in and make sure if that animal does not have a designated home, it will ultimately be destroyed. If anyone is still living in fairyland and thinks our local Pound works tirelessly to make sure our companion and every other animal in their care is adopted into a loving home, think again. All one has to do is to look at the statistics put out by each Pound or animal control agency yearly to realize 'that just ain't happenin'..........Nearly 70 per cent of all animals who enter a Pound will be euthanized unless they are a no-kill or low-kill facility. Who's fault is this? Well certainly the Pound must take some of the blame for the way the facility is run. But if the animals weren't being turned in by the public, we would not have obscene numbers of animals being killed. No matter how you slice it, by the end of the day it was irresponsibility on the part of both parties that resulted in a needless death of a beloved companion.
This is why it is imperative that we -
1) educate ourselves thoroughly before acquiring an animal.
2) make a plan ahead of time on how the animal will be dealt with in the event an unforeseeable situation arises where it can no longer be kept.
3) do not allow any animal to breed or bring a new animal into the world but rather always seek out an animal that is already here and in desperate need of a home.
Alternatives
If you have failed to plan and now find yourself with an animal you feel you cannot keep, please do not take the easy way out by turning them into the local Pound. If you allow yourself enough time you should be able to re-home your companion within 2-3 months, depending on how vigorously you look.
1) Place ads in local newspapers, online such as Craigslist and Petfinders and use social networks like Facebook and My Space to get the word out.
2) If you are running short of time, seek out a foster situation until a permanent home can be found. There are many more people willing to foster than to take on a new animal permanently. Many times the foster situations turn into permanent homes as the foster care provider becomes attached to the animal.
3) Contact local rescue organizations to help you in your search for a new home. Many will only charge a small fee or provide advertising for you for free. They also come into contact with many more people looking for certain types of animals.
4) Posters in appropriate venues such as vet's offices, pet stores, kennels, pet cemetaries, grooming shops,etc.
As a rescue organization we receive pleas for help with animals on a daily and hourly basis. In nearly forty years of rescue we have never had to put an animal down but have always found a way to keep the animal alive until it can be re-homed. Sometimes it's inconvenient and takes extra energy and time, but in the end you will have saved the life of your beloved companion. Wouldn't they at least do the same for you?
