To: Mayor Don Warren
End euthanasia for strays
Dear Mayor, City Council Members, County Commissioners, and Animal Control Leadership,
I am writing to urge the City of Tyler and Smith County to immediately end the routine euthanasia of our community's stray dogs, and to take decisive action to expand the infrastructure and support necessary to humanely care for our community’s animals.
The continued euthanasia of stray dogs is not only unnecessary—it is a policy failure. Communities across Texas and the nation have demonstrated that humane, cost-effective, and sustainable alternatives exist when local governments commit to no-kill strategies and provide adequate resources.
I respectfully call on you to take the following actions:
1. End the euthanasia of stray dogs.
Euthanasia should not be used as a population management tool. Tyler can and should adopt clear no-kill policies with transparency and accountability.
Euthanasia should not be used as a population management tool. Tyler can and should adopt clear no-kill policies with transparency and accountability.
2. Expand and modernize Smith County Animal Control facilities.
Current capacity limitations contribute directly to unnecessary euthanasia. Expanding kennel space, medical isolation areas, foster coordination, and staffing would immediately save lives while improving public safety and animal welfare.
Current capacity limitations contribute directly to unnecessary euthanasia. Expanding kennel space, medical isolation areas, foster coordination, and staffing would immediately save lives while improving public safety and animal welfare.
3. Increase financial and logistical support for existing no-kill shelters and rescues.
Local no-kill organizations are already doing critical work with limited resources. City and county funding, shared services, transport assistance, and formal partnerships would dramatically increase live-release rates.
Local no-kill organizations are already doing critical work with limited resources. City and county funding, shared services, transport assistance, and formal partnerships would dramatically increase live-release rates.
4. Invest in the establishment of additional no-kill shelters and foster-based programs.
Tyler and Smith County need more placement options, not fewer. Supporting new facilities, foster networks, and rescue partnerships will reduce intake pressure on animal control and prevent overcrowding.
Tyler and Smith County need more placement options, not fewer. Supporting new facilities, foster networks, and rescue partnerships will reduce intake pressure on animal control and prevent overcrowding.
5. Expand spay/neuter, vaccination, and community outreach programs.
Long-term solutions require prevention. Low-cost spay/neuter services, education, and community support reduce intake numbers and save taxpayer dollars over time.
Long-term solutions require prevention. Low-cost spay/neuter services, education, and community support reduce intake numbers and save taxpayer dollars over time.
Ending the euthanasia of animals is not a radical request—it is a proven, humane, and fiscally responsible approach that reflects the values of our community. Tyler can become a regional leader in animal welfare rather than a cautionary example.
I urge you to act with compassion, urgency, and leadership. The lives of countless animals—and the conscience of our community—depend on it.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Kim Aguilar
Kim Aguilar
Why is this important?
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
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
