Make the City of Houston Shelter "No- Kill"
Effective August 22, 2008 the current Bureau Chief of the City of Houston Animal Shelter (BARC- Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care) has resigned.
As Citizens and/or Taxpayers in the City of Houston, Texas, we now have the opportunity to voice our support to Bill White, City Council members and the Department of Health and Human Services for them to hire a new Bureau Chief that will develop a plan for the City of Houston Animal Shelter (BARC) to become a NO KILL Shelter.
We understand that this is a challenging task but know it is possible.
We request that the position of Bureau Chief at the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (B.A.R.C.), following Kent Robertson's recent resignation be swiftly filled with an individual steadfast in his/her commitment to embracing and practicing all established elements of the progressive, cost-effective, compassionate and ethically-sound No-Kill Platform*, with full support and participation from the Mayor, City Council and Director of Health and Human Services Department of the City of Houston, so that the City of Houston can develop a thriving, sustainable No-Kill Community within a reasonable time-period, well by the end of the year 2013.
We, Citizens and/or Taxpayers in the City of Houston, Texas no longer desire to financially, or by any other means, support the euthanization of adoptable animals at B.A.R.C. We respectfully demand reform with full implementation of sound No-Kill platform practices such as, but not limited to:
1) An animal-compassionate Bureau Chief/Shelter Director, NOT versed, compliant and entrenched in Kill Shelter experience/mind-set, but instead committed to core practices of the No-Kill platform;
2) Accessible, high-volume, Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Surgery (safe and standard practices only) made available by the City of Houston to ALL Citizens and Taxpayers in the City of Houston and Greater Houston for their companion animals;
3) Comprehensive Adoption Program staffed by B.A.R.C for all healthy and treatable companion animals, that one way or another end up at B.A.R.C., including owner-turn-ins;
4) Strong marketing (i.e. Public Service Announcements on TV, Radio, City and community papers) encouraging maximum community involvement (i.e. volunteering, fostering, adoptions, donations) from, but not limited to: individual citizens, local corporations, non-profit rescue groups;
5) Feral Cat TNR (trap/neuter/return) programs;
6) B.A.R.C. becoming a healthy, welcoming and reliable resource for companion animal information, education and assistance, including, but not limited to: 1) humane training, 2) behavior modification, 3) pet retention, 4) rehoming.
We, Citizens and/or Taxpayers in the City of Houston, Texas respectfully demand that the City of Houston government respond to and reflect the wishes of its Citizens/Taxpayers, to put an end to the killing of approximately 80% of the sentient, healthy and treatable companion animals, yearly, at the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (B.A.R.C.).
What does "No-Kill" mean?
* No-Kill Platform commits to euthanizing ONLY companion animals that are either irremediably injured or terminally ill, as determined by a board-certified doctor of veterinary medicine, in good standing with the City of Houston and State of Texas, and in compliance with the true meaning of the word euthanasia (Webster definition: mercy killing). All healthy and treatable companion animals are to be nurtured, treated as needed, and guaranteed a realistic chance at adoption well beyond the 72 hour legal hold period for owners to claim them.
Effective August 22, 2008 the current Bureau Chief of the City of Houston Animal Shelter (BARC- Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care) has resigned.
As Citizens and/or Taxpayers in the City of Houston, Texas, we now have the opportunity to voice our support to Bill White, City Council members and the Department of Health and Human Services for them to hire a new Bureau Chief that will develop a plan for the City of Houston Animal Shelter (BARC) to become a NO KILL Shelter.
We understand that this is a challenging task but know it is possible.
We request that the position of Bureau Chief at the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (B.A.R.C.), following Kent Robertson's recent resignation be swiftly filled with an individual steadfast in his/her commitment to embracing and practicing all established elements of the progressive, cost-effective, compassionate and ethically-sound No-Kill Platform*, with full support and participation from the Mayor, City Council and Director of Health and Human Services Department of the City of Houston, so that the City of Houston can develop a thriving, sustainable No-Kill Community within a reasonable time-period, well by the end of the year 2013.
We, Citizens and/or Taxpayers in the City of Houston, Texas no longer desire to financially, or by any other means, support the euthanization of adoptable animals at B.A.R.C. We respectfully demand reform with full implementation of sound No-Kill platform practices such as, but not limited to:
1) An animal-compassionate Bureau Chief/Shelter Director, NOT versed, compliant and entrenched in Kill Shelter experience/mind-set, but instead committed to core practices of the No-Kill platform;
2) Accessible, high-volume, Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Surgery (safe and standard practices only) made available by the City of Houston to ALL Citizens and Taxpayers in the City of Houston and Greater Houston for their companion animals;
3) Comprehensive Adoption Program staffed by B.A.R.C for all healthy and treatable companion animals, that one way or another end up at B.A.R.C., including owner-turn-ins;
4) Strong marketing (i.e. Public Service Announcements on TV, Radio, City and community papers) encouraging maximum community involvement (i.e. volunteering, fostering, adoptions, donations) from, but not limited to: individual citizens, local corporations, non-profit rescue groups;
5) Feral Cat TNR (trap/neuter/return) programs;
6) B.A.R.C. becoming a healthy, welcoming and reliable resource for companion animal information, education and assistance, including, but not limited to: 1) humane training, 2) behavior modification, 3) pet retention, 4) rehoming.
We, Citizens and/or Taxpayers in the City of Houston, Texas respectfully demand that the City of Houston government respond to and reflect the wishes of its Citizens/Taxpayers, to put an end to the killing of approximately 80% of the sentient, healthy and treatable companion animals, yearly, at the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (B.A.R.C.).
What does "No-Kill" mean?
* No-Kill Platform commits to euthanizing ONLY companion animals that are either irremediably injured or terminally ill, as determined by a board-certified doctor of veterinary medicine, in good standing with the City of Houston and State of Texas, and in compliance with the true meaning of the word euthanasia (Webster definition: mercy killing). All healthy and treatable companion animals are to be nurtured, treated as needed, and guaranteed a realistic chance at adoption well beyond the 72 hour legal hold period for owners to claim them.
According to B.A.R.C. about 80% of the dogs and cats that come into the shelter (either by being picked up or turned in) are euthanized each year. Shelters around the country have proved that these animals can find homes and that the number of unwanted pets can be reduced through aggressive spay and neuter programs. The time is now. Let the Mayor and City Council hear from you.
For the animals.
With the success of other no-kill cities and shelters, there is no reason Houston can not achieve the same. Why not make Houston shine above the others by embracing life for Houston's pets, not death. The only reason no-kill fails is lack of trying....laziness !!
Mayor White and City Council members- As a Houstonian, I respectfully ask that the City of Houston make BARC a no-kill shelter. There are many thriving and successful examples of these types of shelters around the country...so we know it can be done. I need not tell you that killing animals makes us less than human, that their blood is on our hands for allowing these types of shelters to exist. I am sure you all already know all of that because you all are moral and ethical individuals. I will watch to see what decision you all make with regard to this....as will my family and friends.
Please support the no kill shelter.. I am totally against killing animals that we can find homes for.
There are no words that can express my disgust for the way Houston's homeless animals are treated. These animals only end up in the situations they are in because of irresponsible human behavior. Spaying & neutering should be a requirment in Houston. It would save the lives of so many innocent dogs and cats. We can not continue to sit back as a city, and do nothing, while thousands of animals are put down each year. Let's make Houston an example for the rest of the world, and become a no kill shelter. Dogs and cats simply deserve better.
I think that every shelter in the world should not kill the animals in it. I want all the animals find a good home..[where they won't be hurt of abused] Don't kill the animals!
With Houston as the 4th largest city in the country with probably the most stable economy, BARC should become a no kill shelter when other smaller cities in the state and country with fewer resources have already led the way. No excuses.
i believe that all animal have the right to be alive to exp. what happiness some dogs or cats that are found on the streets have been beat hit gone hungry. why does the end of their horrible life have to end in death thats horrible. to help a animal with no voice is my goal please mayor make the city of houston no kill.
I live in a neighborhood with a large immigrant population whose philosophy of pet ownership is casual and, in many ways, impersonal. Education regarding the cultural expectations of responsible pet ownership in Houston, ordinances that reinforce those expectations and enforcement to provide consequences for failure to be responsible must be an important part of making Houston "no kill". People who fail to neuter their pets, who allow their unneutered pets to wander and impregnate or become impregnated or who abandon unwanted pets are a significant part of the problem. The BARC director must understand the educational needs in the community as well as being committed to running a "no kill" shelter. The city council must allocate funding to staff such a shelter, spay/neuter clinics and mobil enforcement units who actually trained and equipped to provide hand-on assistance to citizens.
Houston could be a wonderful example for other city shelters around the country by becoming no-kill. These stray animals deserve a chance to live and be loved and rehabilitated. Make your citizens proud!
We need a no kill shelter regardless of the work involved. City should invest in more insurance coverage if concerned with aggression. It is humiliating the way that the world sees us.
Make Houston a NO KILL shelter.
It is wrong to put helpless animals to sleep. Irresponsible pet owners should be punished. There should be stricter law enforcement to protect helpless animals from abusive and careless owners.
The numbers are startling. STOP THE KILLING AND START THE SPAYING!!!!! Catchy? You can use it.
I support a no-kill policy for Houston animal shelters.
It is a fact that a dog can achieve an intelligence level equal to that of a seven year old child. They don't look or verbalize like us, but they think, feel, and have emotions. They should have all the same considerations that we would give to a child, and that includes a right to life.
As a native Houstonian and animal lover, I plead that we show the country what an innovative and leading city we are. Through education and spay/neuter clinics, we can achieve a no kill status. Education and the tools is all we need. Please hear our voices and stop the killing of innocent animals.
Animals have feelings and should not be murdered! They are helpless, and the ones doing it are no better than hitlers army, killing for no reason. Stop this cruelty!
Please hire a new Bureau Chief who will turn the City of Houston Animal Shelter (BARC) into a NO KILL Shelter. Adoptable animals deserve a chance to live and to bring love to those who adopt them. For years, my family has had dogs that we adopted from a breeder, but we now have a precious terrier mix who was homeless until he adopted us; he is a tremendous joy and we are so very grateful that he is here with us.
Please let us know what you want to share with City Council and the Mayor about this issue.
Save them doggies.
Dont Hate The Animals, Dont You See We're Being The Animals... You Dont Have To Luv Em, But Dont Hurt Em, Leave Em Alone If You Dont Know What's Love...
These are alot living and breathing animals made by GOD and they should not be destroy as if they have no meaning to life. How SAD to think that people can not be made to take care and know better on how to take responsiblity!
Mayor White and City Council Members: Before you look away to more important matters perhaps you should be present at BARC when they euthanize perfectly healthy animals - I don't think that you would continue to condone such a practice
Mayor White and City Council members: Please take an hour of your time and visit BARC for yourself. Visit the room where euthanasia occurs. Then go and stroll through the kennel rooms. Breathe deeply and smell the smells and look into the eyes of an animal who only has hours left before being put down. Maybe by seeing the animals you will realize how backward Houston's policies are when it comes to animal care, and decide to make a positive change. Houston has an overwhelming number of homeless animals. Make spaying and neutering a requirement unless the owner has a breeder's license. Regulate breeding and provide enforcement of animal laws. Also, the no-kill policy should have some level of flexibility for dangerous or aggressive dogs that realistically can not be adopted out to the public.
I visited BARC a few years ago and fell inlove with a red female chow that I wanted to adopt. Her name was Samantha and she had been impounded for over a month. She was very friendly, a wagging tail when I talked to her, and beautiful. When I inquired about adopting her the man at BARC said that I could not adopt her because the owners of the dog had racked up a $200+ bill for her impoundment that they wanted paid AND they had a no-adoption policy on chows. Well, I knew someone from the rescue group "Friends of BARC" who told me that was a lie - that they adopted chows and chow mixes all the time. He tried calling them and got the same run around from the same rude employee. I was also told by the same BARC employee that she was scheduled to be euthanized the following Monday and the only way I could have her is if the owner was willing to pay the fees and hand her over to me. (I spoke with the owner, he was not willing to pay). I could not believe the callousness of the BARC employee and the indifference of her owner, who knew she was scheduled to die.) BARC had no reason to stop me from adopting her. They preferred to see her die rather than go to a good home, that much was obvious. There was nothing I could do. Samantha was killed on schedule the following Monday. I wrote Mayor White and never received a response (big surprise there). BARC is a hellhole. The Harris County Animal Control Shelter is PARADISE compared to BARC. Houston should be disgusted and ashamed of this place. I know I am. We are a big city and there is no excuse for our city shelter to be in this shape. No reason for Houston's homeless dogs and cats to die at the rate they are dying - even when someone is offering one of them a loving home! And there is no reason for our city shelter to be staffed with heartless, indifferent employees. Mayor Bill White needs to do something about this, to prevent the other "Samanthas" out there from dying needlessly. If they clean up the place, seriously work towards a "no-kill" policy, they will attract employees who love animals and care about the cause. This place will NEVER change unless the Mayor steps in and does something. Now is the time! Let Houston be the city to set an example for other cities around the country. There are plenty of us out there that would be willing to volunteer if major steps were taken in the right direction.
ITS NOT FAIR TO KILL ANIMALS BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO PERMINANT RESIDENCE, INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON WHEN TO KILL OFF THESE ANIMALS LETS TAKE A LITTLE MORE TIME AND EFFORT IN PLACING THESE PRECIOUS ANIMALS IN REAL HOMES. I TOOK A KITTEN IN AND WOULD NOT ASK FOR ANYTHING ELSE! SAVE A LIFE.
Why would anybody kill a perfectly healthy animal in the first place? We don't tend to kill perfectly healthy people do we? =/
WOW Houston........we NEED to support this, as there are well over 300,000 animals that die in THIS city every year. PLEASE TAKE A SECOND AND REVIEW THIS MOST IMPORTANT PETITION,SIGN AND FOWARD TO TO EVERYONE IN YOUR A MAIL LISTS. I'd HATE to think that anyone who I am sending this would not sign this!!! :-) Shelby Kibodeaux
I think breeders should only be allowed breed twice a year if a litter of under 6 and over just once that year.Some type of guideline like this.
