National Animal Advocates Say State is 200 Adoptions Away from No-Kill Status

HARTFORD–A national pet advocacy organization is applauding Governor Ned Lamont for proclaiming August No-Kill Shelter Month, a move meant to bolster the group’s efforts to achieve “no-kill” status in Connecticut before the end of this year. 

The proclamation underlines a commitment to end the unnecessary killing of dogs and cats throughout the state’s shelters, according to a press release from the national pet advocacy organization Best Friends Animal Society. 

Julie Castle, Best Friends Animal Society CEO, states, “With less than 200 pets needing to be saved for Connecticut to become no-kill, we’re calling on Connecticut residents to choose to adopt pets from shelters and rescue groups instead of purchasing from breeders or stores.”

The group cited data showing 83 of the state’s 94 animal shelters last year maintained or achieved no-kill status. Nationally, nearly two out of three U.S. shelters are considered no-kill.

Statistics from the organization identify the Old Lyme Animal Control department as a no-kill shelter. Dogs currently up for adoption can be found at this link.

The 11 remaining shelters in the state yet to earn the no-kill designation need to save about 200 more pets combined, according to the organization. 

Best Friends Animal Society CEO Julie Castle in the release said the state is poised to join the nation’s current no-kill states: Delaware, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 

“With less than 200 pets needing to be saved for Connecticut to become no-kill, we’re calling on Connecticut residents to choose to adopt pets from shelters and rescue groups instead of purchasing from breeders or stores,” Castle said.

The “no-kill” designation applies to states in which 90% of animals entering a shelter can be saved. The figure accounts for the estimated 10% of pets with irreparable medical or behavioral issues that compromise their quality of life and prevent them from being rehomed, the release said.

The governor’s proclamation encourages Connecticut residents to work together to make a positive difference in the lives of the state’s pets by adopting, fostering, volunteering, educating, and generating awareness for these pets in need throughout their communities. 

The no-kill movement is not without critics in the animal advocacy community. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) argues that focusing on no-kill policies can lead shelters to “warehouse” animals for prolonged periods, place animals in unsafe homes, and turn away animals. It also does not address the root problem, the group said on its website.

“Finding a home for one dog may save one life, but sterilizing one dog will save hundreds, if not thousands, of dogs’ lives by preventing generations of potentially homeless puppies from being born. Getting a spay/neuter law passed saves even more lives. Stopping the problem at its source is where our time, energy, and funds are needed most. That is how we can drastically reduce—and hopefully end—the homeless-animal crisis and the need for euthanasia.”