Animal Sheltering Workshop To Save Puppies, Kittens To Be Held in Houston

"Building a No Kill Community" workshop could end shelter killing in Texas

HOUSTON, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Houston and Harris County animal shelters kill roughly 80,000 animals a year, as much as 54% to 89% of all animals entering the shelter, depending on which Houston shelter is involved.  San Antonio, Dallas, Ft. Worth and other shelters kill tens of thousands as well.  But that number could plummet if shelter leaders attend the upcoming "Building a No Kill Community" workshop taught by Nathan Winograd, director of the national No Kill Advocacy Center.  The No Kill model of animal sheltering created by Winograd will teach shelter directors and the community the practices that allowed shelters like Austin's animal control and Williamson County, TX animal control to save 90% - 96% of all dogs and cats entering their doors.  

"This workshop will teach us how to "Turbo Charge" adoptions so that animals have a real chance for a new home. It teaches "marketing" strategies to effectively market shelter animals so new pet owners will choose a shelter pet instead of looking elsewhere. It also teaches shelters how to work with rescue organizations and foster parents efficiently rather than kill animals," said Bett Sundermeyer, President of No Kill Houston. "It makes no sense for Texas shelters to kill animals, especially at taxpayer or donor expense, when rescue organizations and private citizens are willing to save them".

This No Kill model of sheltering has created No Kill communities nationwide including Reno, Nevada, Shelby County, Kentucky, Marquette, Michigan, Tompkins County, New York, and elsewhere.  In addition to the United States, shelters in Canada, Australia and New Zealand are following this model and are consistently saving 90% or more of all animals.  ("No Kill" means that 90% or more of all healthy and treatable pets are saved.)

Last year Austin, Texas passed a city ordinance mandating parts of these No Kill programs and their save rates have risen ever since.  H.B. 3450 or Texas CAPA, based on this No Kill model of sheltering, was also recently introduced in the Texas state legislature.

"People of all walks of life want to protect pets, so this workshop appeals to a wide range of people." said Sundermeyer.

Workshop details:

Date/time: Saturday, April 30, 2011; 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Location: South Texas College of Law, 1303 San Jacinto, Houston, TX 77002

For Tickets: Go to No Kill Houston's website at www.NoKillHouston.org

SOURCE No Kill Houston