New Jersey stands at the brink of a significant milestone. Just 1,600 more cats and dogs needing rescue would make it the biggest no-kill state in the nation. Currently holding an impressive statewide saving rate of 89.5%, we’re nearly within reach of having all shelters in New Jersey meet the widely acknowledged national no-kill standard.
A 90% save rate stands as the national standard for achieving a no-kill status in animal welfare programs. It accounts for the roughly 10% of animals arriving at shelters who might require humane euthanasia due to severe health problems or dangerous behaviors. While this figure serves as an indicator of achievement, it doesn’t necessarily reflect a strong dedication to saving lives; numerous facilities surpass this mark when they invest additional effort into veterinary treatment, palliative care, and conductive behavior modification.
Currently, New Jersey stands remarkably near achieving a prominent role in the country’s animal welfare landscape. At present, 56 out of 71 shelters within the state have attained no-kill status. Among the remaining 15 facilities, only about ten must rescue less than 100 animals each to join those ranks. By adopting modern practices aligned with communal beliefs and backed by public endorsement, New Jersey can set an example for the rest of the nation.
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New Jersey can make a difference by assisting cats.
Up to 95% of the animals euthanized in New Jersey’s shelters are cats. Therefore, an essential part of achieving this objective involves enacting the Compassion for Community Cats bills—S261/A3635. This legislation aims to enable municipalities to adopt effective life-saving initiatives focused on community cats rather than relying on obsolete practices resulting in their deaths. By expanding opportunities for Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR), which represents both a compassionate and economical strategy toward controlling feral cat communities, these measures would significantly advance animal welfare efforts.
TNVR stands as the most effective and ethical approach available today. This method not only controls feral cat colonies but also decreases problematic behaviors associated with these communities and facilitates the return of stray cats to their original homes. These proposed laws aim to eliminate redundant holding periods at shelters for cats slated for TNVR programs, thereby enabling those facilities opting for this strategy to utilize public funds more efficiently. Additionally, such legislation would back individuals who volunteer their efforts toward aiding free-roaming cats within neighborhoods.
Anyone can contribute to turning New Jersey into a no-kill state. Show your support for the Compassion for Community Cats bill (S261/A3635) by reaching out to your representatives with a message.
bfas.org/nj25
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New Jersey has the potential to set an example nationally. By saving just 1,600 additional lives, the state could emerge as a symbol of hope for both pets and their owners. Let us move forward with this significant initiative collectively.
Julie Castle serves as the executive director of Best Friends Animal Society, an organization that runs the country’s biggest shelter for animals without homes.
The article initially appeared on NorthJersey.com.
New Jersey needs to lead as the biggest no-kill state nationwide | Opinion
