On average, 920,000 animals are killed in US shelters every year. Some of these poor animals have been abused, neglected or lived rough as strays before being tragically killed. Some have never known a loving home. Some are even killed in gas chambers!
Major the German Shepherd was the first shelter dog to live in the White House. He has since passed away. In his honour and memory, I propose that President Joe Biden, a man who clearly likes/loves and cares about animals, takes the following actions, to help make America a no-kill nation:
* Grant at least minimal Government funding to all animal shelters and rescues.
* Start a Government programme to promote adoption, in memory of Major.
* Legally require that all dog/cat carers spay/neuter their dogs and cats, unless they either apply and pass strict welfare criteria to become licensed breeders, or their animal/s is deemed medically unfit for sterilisation by a fully trained veterinarian or they are too young to be sterilised.
* Establish a strong partnership and transfer programme between all shelters, rescues and animal foster groups.
* Produce more Government literature and videos to educate the public about animal cruelty and the benefits of adopting animals vs buying from unlicensed breeders and pet stores.
* Legally recognise an annual adopt a pet day.
* Legally require all pet shops, grocery stores and other businesses that sell pet food and supplies to donate all their unsold/unsaleable food and supplies to animal shelters, rescues and foster groups, providing the product/s are still safe for the animals.
* Produce more Government literature and videos on how to responsibly care for animals.
* Implement trap-neuter-return programmes for feral and stray cats and dogs.
* Implement programmes to vaccinate all stray/feral dogs and cats, and treat or euthanise any who are injured or sick.
* When possible, legally ban the killing of all homeless animals in shelters and rescues, unless they are either incurably sick/injured or incurably aggressive/defensive.
Thanks.
