Help support saving the lives of community cats by advocating for lifesaving programs in your area. Please sign and share this petition to show that you support safe, humane and positive solutions for cats living in your community. Current state rules and regulations severely hamper any lifesaving efforts focused on community cats. Alaska's Board of Game has been considering rule changes that could impact cats and the people who care for them. These changes have been pushed to early 2022. Alaska’s residents deserve TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return) programs, which are animal-friendly, cost-effective, and reduce the burden and bureaucracy placed on the state’s animal shelters. The process is simple: Community cats are trapped, evaluated by veterinarians, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, ear-tipped, and returned to their outdoor homes, unable to have kittens. The simple truth is that current methods of animal control relative to community cats are expensive, ineffective and often inhumane. Rule changes allowing TNVR programs would be better for the cats, for public health and for the wildlife we all want to protect.

 Every day, dogs and cats enter North Carolina shelters through no fault of their own. Some are lost. Some are abandoned. Some are surrendered when their families can no longer care for them. They arrive confused and frightened, waiting for someone to come looking for them or for a new family to give them a chance. For too many, that chance never comes. Healthy and treatable animals can lose their lives because shelters are overcrowded and there simply aren’t enough kennels, foster homes, rescue placements, resources, or adopters available. Running out of space should not mean running out of time. This issue is also not about blaming the people who work in our animal shelters. Many shelter employees, volunteers, rescue organizations, and animal-control professionals are doing heartbreaking work with limited resources. They need help too. North Carolina can build a better system. We can invest in affordable spay and neuter programs that reduce the number of animals entering shelters. We can expand fostering and rescue partnerships. We can make it easier to reunite lost pets with their families. We can give rescues an opportunity to save animals before their lives are ended. And we can provide struggling shelters with the resources they need to choose lifesaving options instead. No-kill does not mean allowing an animal to suffer. Humane euthanasia will always have an important place when an animal is suffering with an irreparable medical condition or presents a serious, unmanageable safety risk. This is about the animals who can be saved. A healthy dog should not die because her kennel is needed tomorrow. A treatable cat should not lose his life because a shelter is full. An animal’s chance of surviving should not depend on which North Carolina county he or she happens to enter. We can do better than that. By signing this petition, you are asking North Carolina’s leaders to work with shelters, rescues, veterinarians, advocates, and communities to create a realistic statewide plan that gives every healthy and treatable shelter animal a genuine chance to leave alive. They don’t need all of us to adopt them. They need all of us to decide their lives are worth saving. 

Arizona doesn't have as big of a problem as some states do, but we are still high on the list and could set an example for other states to follow.  I would also argue that many, in our state, go uncounted due to heat related death on the streets, alleys, and junkyards.  All rescues and shelters are full or over capacity in the dead of the summer heat.  If you rescue a dog and are unable to keep it with you for a period of time, you literally have no option but to let it go out on it's own, to suffer and die in the heat, starve, and/or get hit by a car. The burden placed on those in the community that try to help with this issue, in terms of the difficulty in caring for these dogs, is immeasurable. Not to mention the heartbreak and moral injury incurred every single day.  As the economy gets weaker, the problem gets worse. More folks in need of a way to make money, turn to breeding. At the same time, folks losing jobs and housing, having to surrender their loved pets to be caged indefinitely in a loud, cold, and lonely environment, going against the grain of their very genetic makeups. The genetic makeup that we have bred into them as humans for human companionship.  We are ignoring our responsibility for their well being as a whole. And beyond that, many of us perpetuating the problem. 

Animal overpopulation is  a serious problem.  Many backyard breeders contribute to this problem by breeding and selling pets in parking lots, flea markets and other such venues.  These pets are not vet checked, vaccinated, and often carry viruses and have genetic disorders or disabilities that require veterinary care that most cannot afford.  These animals are often dumped, surrendered or in some other manner disposed of.  This creates a burden on animal shelters and animal rescue organizations that are over burdened.  

The importance of this issue mainly lies in the ability and many possibilities of it being prevented. Since such a large amount of these euthanized deaths could have been prevented but are caused by problems like overcrowding, lack of resources, etc., with increased funding, animal shelters all across LA county can lower this statistic of animal deaths. Some people think that the lives of shelter animals aren’t as significant, but just because they don’t have a permanent home doesn't mean their lives aren’t as valuable as any other life.  They deserve the same, equal treatment of safety, protection, medical care, and every chance and opportunity to be adopted or fostered so that they will be given the care in a loving home that every animal life should have.  There are also many reasons why animals get given up to shelters to be cared for, like personal situations or financial difficulties, which mean that without enough funding, animal shelters might not be able to take in these pets. The animals in our community depend on us to do the right thing and to advocate for their rights, supporting better outcomes and improving their lives. Every single animal deserves the right to survive and live a life that is loved. 

Every day in Osceola County, dogs and cats—especially vulnerable puppies and litters—are at risk due to overcrowded shelters and limited placement options. According to recent data, 4,451 animals entered the shelter, but only 3,465 were saved, resulting in a 78% save rate. That leaves a gap of over 500 animals who are not making it out alive. For dogs specifically, the save rate is 71%, meaning hundreds of dogs remain at risk. At the same time, community members and rescuers are facing increasing difficulty accessing shelter support. There are ongoing challenges with intake availability, including limited acceptance of cats, strays, and owner surrenders. This leaves many animals with nowhere to go—often remaining on the streets, where they face illness, injury, or death. Animal rescues and foster families are critical to filling this gap. They step in when shelters are full—taking in litters, bottle babies, and at-risk animals who would otherwise have no chance. However, the current ordinance in Osceola County limiting households to four dogs—and counting puppies over eight weeks individually—directly prevents fosters from helping when they are needed most. This means: • Litters cannot stay together in foster care • Rescues are forced to turn animals away • More animals remain in unsafe conditions • And ultimately, more lives are lost By updating this ordinance, Osceola County can: • Save hundreds of additional lives each year • Help move closer to true no-kill status • Reduce the burden on Osceola County Animal Services • Support responsible rescues who are stepping in where gaps currently exist This is not about increasing pet ownership limits for the general public—it is about supporting regulated, compassionate rescue efforts that directly reduce suffering and prevent unnecessary deaths. If we want to close the gap and give every animal a chance, we must remove the barriers that prevent lifesaving help.

For every  dog euthanized in a shelter there are 2 cats that will meet the same fate. Dogs that exhibit behavioral issues are euthanized sooner after their arrival at the shelter than a well mannered dog. These dogs need time to decompress. They don't deserve to die! Euthanasia is not an acceptable outcome for these loving creàtions of God. Animals can't  speak for themselves, we must be their voice! Won't you join me? 

Dear Mayor, City Council Members, County Commissioners, and Community Leaders, I am writing to explain why ending the euthanasia of stray dogs and expanding animal welfare infrastructure in Tyler and Smith County is not only important—but essential to the health, values, and future of our community. First and foremost, this is a moral issue. Our stray dogs are being euthanized because there is not enough space, funding, or coordination to care for them. This places the burden of systemic shortcomings on the animals themselves. A compassionate community does not solve capacity problems by ending lives—it solves them by investing in solutions. Second, euthanasia as population control is ineffective and costly. Killing our stray dogs does not reduce intake long-term. Without adequate spay/neuter programs, foster networks, and shelter capacity, the cycle simply repeats. Communities that invest in no-kill infrastructure consistently see lower intake numbers, reduced operating costs over time, and stronger public support. Third, expanding Smith County Animal Control and supporting no-kill shelters directly improves public safety. Properly resourced facilities allow for better disease control, behavioral assessment, reunification with owners, and adoption services. Overcrowded, underfunded systems increase risk—to animals, staff, and the public. Fourth, Tyler’s reputation and economic vitality are affected by how we treat animals. Cities known for humane animal policies attract residents, businesses, volunteers, and tourists. Conversely, widespread euthanasia damages public trust and discourages civic engagement. Animal welfare is increasingly seen as a reflection of a community’s overall quality of life. Fifth, local no-kill shelters and rescues cannot shoulder this responsibility alone. These organizations already operate with limited funding, volunteers, and space. Without meaningful financial and logistical support from city and county leadership, they are being asked to compensate for gaps that only government investment can realistically fill. Finally, this issue matters because solutions exist. Communities across Texas have successfully transitioned to no-kill models through expanded shelter capacity, foster-based programs, rescue partnerships, and prevention-focused services. Tyler and Smith County are capable of the same progress with commitment and leadership. Ending the euthanasia of our stray dogs is not an emotional or unrealistic demand—it is a practical, humane, and responsible goal. Expanding infrastructure is an investment that saves lives, protects public health, and aligns our policies with the values of compassion and accountability. I urge you to recognize the importance of this issue and take meaningful action to ensure that Tyler becomes a community where solutions replace suffering, and leadership replaces resignation. Respectfully, Kim Aguilar

Beaconsfield est une ville compatissante certifiée PETA. Les chiens perdus sont généralement amenés directement au domicile du tuteur. Cependant, si le tuteur ne peut pas être trouvé tout de suite, le chien est placé dans une petite cage dans un petit bâtiment de stockage qui est interdit au public. Les animaux ne sont pas des objets perdus et doivent être traités comme des êtres sensibles, pas comme des biens. Ce bâtiment se trouve juste à côté de la bibliothèque, mais se trouve derrière une clôture couverte et n'a pas de signalisation. Bien que les animaux ne soient jamais euthanasiés (ils sont envoyés dans un refuge sans tuer à l'extérieur de la ville s'ils ne sont pas réclamés), ils méritent toujours mieux lorsqu'ils sont perdus à Beaconsfield. Et Beaconsfield a besoin d'un abri qui peut amener tous les animaux de compagnie perdus, et fournir un triage et un transport vers un refuge pour la faune. Plusieurs résidents se sont plaints de ne pas pouvoir trouver un centre d'admission ouvert pour un lapin sauvage qui a été abattu par la flèche d'un braconnier. (Lincoln Rabbit a heureusement été sauvé par Sauvetage Lapins Errant et Refuge Lobadinaki). Nous aimerions que la ville de Beaconsfield cesse d'utiliser le bâtiment de stockage et travaille plutôt avec un refuge sans tuers but non lucratif pour fournir des services aux animaux. https://m.facebook.com/groups/2477666815954860/?ref=share Beaconsfield is a PETA certified Compassionate City.  Lost dogs are usually brought right to the guardian’s home.  However, if the guardian can not be found right away, the dog is placed in a tiny cage in a small storage building that is off limits to the public.  Animals are not lost items and should be treated as sentient beings, not property.  This building is right next to the library, but is behind a covered fence, and has no signage.  While the animals are never euthanized (they are sent to a no kill shelter outside the city if unclaimed), they still deserve better while lost in Beaconsfield.  And Beaconsfield needs to have a shelter that can bring in all lost pets, and provide a triage and transport to a refuge for wildlife.  Several residents complained that they could not find an open admission facility for a wild rabbit who was shot by a poacher’s arrow.  (Lincoln Rabbit was thankfully saved by Sauvetage Lapins Errant and Refuge Lobadinaki).  We would like the City of Beaconsfield to stop using the storage building, and instead work with a no kill not for profit shelter to provide animal services.

It is time for change at our Collinsville animal shelter. A great first step would be the utilization of volunteers at that location. Signing this petition would hopefully open the door to a more transparent experience at the shelter. As it stands, potential adopters can only view an animal by appointment. Utilizing volunteers would allow for people to come in and view animals at any time the shelter was open. The system is so broken and outdated that very few people will run the gauntlet of rules that currently exist, to view and adopt a pet. As a direct result of this, very few animals are adopted out in a calendar year and most spend much more time waiting for a family than is necessary.  A recent story is that a older cat was found wandering with a collar and leash attached. A concerned citizen dropped him off at the shelter. After 5 days I called to try and adopt him. I was met with nothing but resistance and was told that he (the person who answered my call) wasn't in charge of that area. To put this in perspective the shelter is very small and there are only 2 employees. They rarely have more than 10 cats and this cat was brand new to them. The call ended with him telling me that the only way I could find out if they still had this kitty was to wait and hope they put him on their Facebook page the following week. Volunteers are needed at this location not only to create a welcoming experience but to be able to actually work to get an animal adopted.

More than 440 other cities, counties and states have already passed laws to stop the retail sale of pets sourced from commercial breeding facilities. It's time for our community to do the same. Puppy and kitten mills are in business to supply pet stores. The pets in these facilities often spend their entire lives in dirty, crowded cages for the sole purpose of producing as many animals as possible for the retail pet trade. Pet stores that obtain animals from these facilities are not an asset to our community. These facilities also produce puppies that are often sick, causing unsuspecting consumers to have to care for a new pet in need of expensive veterinary treatment. Milled puppies can also spread campylobacter, a dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria that is contagious to humans. In the past several years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traced a multi-state outbreak of Campylobacter to pet store puppies. This is a public health risk in a time where public health should be a top priority. A humane pet sales ordinance will not prevent pet stores from doing business, but it will reduce the burden on our shelters and rescue groups by increasing pet adoptions. It will also benefit our local ethical hobby breeders by allowing them to provide responsibly bred pets directly to those who cannot find what they are looking for through adoption. Please consider protecting pets and consumers by passing a humane pet sales ordinance for our community.

Please work together to collaborate with creative ideas to save these animals from certain death any alternate solutions and ideas welcomed. Montgomery County residents have rallied together for change and support on many important issues in the past we can come together as a community to stop the proposal for the mass euthanasia of our furry residents as well they don't deserve a death sentence. Please sign to let Montgomery County Board members know euthanasia is not the solution.