A: The first thing they have to do is remember that the shelter belongs to them. As citizens and taxpayers, government is supposed to reflect their values. And today, most Americans hold the humane treatment of animals as a personal value, which is reflected in our laws, the proliferation of organizations founded for animal protection, increased per capita spending on animal care, and great advancements in veterinary medicine. But the agencies that the public expects to protect animals are instead killing more than five million annually. So why does the animal-loving American public, the very same people who talk to their own pets and celebrate their birthdays, not only accept this situation but continue to foot the bill for the daily killing through taxes and voluntary donations? One of the reasons is because they have been told there is no other way.

But there is another way and as soon as we stop accepting excuses, we can begin to demand results. As citizens, we must demand changes to the practices of our local shelters. And if shelters circle the wagons in response to community concern, citizens must fight back. It starts with lobbying city council by demanding the programs and services of the No Kill Equation and it ends, if necessary, with regime change at animal control. (For a step-by-step guide to Reforming Animal Control, click here.)