Ask the city of Duluth, Minnesota. Adoption and Spay/Neuter programs – work. The results of increased emphasis in both areas – by the combined efforts of the Animal Allies Humane Society, the Northland Spay and Neuter Clinic, and even the city’s shelter – in what has been called the Campaign for Zero, are in. Duluth has now been named as one of the top five safest cities in the country for homeless pets. Why? In 2010, the city’s shelters achieved their goal of zero euthanasias involving (healthy) shelter pets; this is an incredible, exciting time!
The rate of adoptions in 2010 increased by 10%, while at the same time, the clinic performed an average of 26 spays and neuters each day. The campaign included donations from maurices, which helped with expenses by donating $10,000 and then also offering the backing of a special adoption promotion, to help offset the lowering of adoption fees and make adoption more attainable for more people. A mere five years ago, the shelters euthanized 700 animals in 2005, even though most were in good health. This past year, 217 were euthanized – and none of those were healthy. Alongside the steep drop in euthanasias, adoptions of homeless pets increased by 10% in the last year alone, and the number of pets saved during the past five years increased from 68% to 92%. That translates to more pets saved, less pets put down needlessly, and more pets in their forever homes. In addition, hundreds more pets neutered, reducing future possibilities of unwanted pets.
Despite the current economic climate and nightmarish stories from shelters all over the country about foreclosure pets and unfortunate pets doomed to the streets for lack of their owners ability to care for them now, Duluth has proven that if we concentrate on adoption, in addition to controlling new influxes of homeless by providing spay/neuter services, we can make a difference in the lives of homeless pets. And shelter pets need not be put down simply because there are so many. This city is no different than any other, they just made a commitment to pursue the logical management and solution of homeless pets. Great job, Duluth!
Northland’s News Center
Twin Ports WDIO.com
That is very interesting and very inspiring what the outcome can be when different institutes pull together with a goal in mind!!!
Great job indeed! I’m happy to know that there are people who put a lot of effort into saving and caring for these animals.
Thanks for helping our furry friends that can’t help themselves!!
Duluth is a great, pet friendly city. We spent a week there last summer and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m glad (and not too surprised) to see the success they’re having in saving homeless pets. It shows what initiative can create!