I have always considered myself a strong proponent of “no-kill” shelters. The use of euthanasia as a means of reducing the unwanted pet population has always been abhorrent to me. The Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County, Maryland, “a no-kill, boutique shelter with happy cats and happy endings”, bases its existence on a “no-kill philosophy”, as follows: “Euthanasia of companion animals should not be used as a form of population control. These animals should not be killed because of lack of space, passage of time, or lack of resources. No-kill does not mean that no animal is ever killed in the shelter.” (The AWL does agree that for animals that absolutely cannot be rehabilitated and/or made healthy through medical intervention, “euthanasia may still be the most humane alternative.” The phrase “no-kill”, for the purposes of this article, is defined as: “A term describing the philosophy of eliminating euthanasia of healthy, adoptable and treatable companion animals.” (AWL Mont. Co.)
The AWL is currently partnered “with the county shelter to help the most at-risk animals.” At this time, they are only working with cats and kittens. Their hope is to be able to add the most at-risk dogs of Montgomery County in the near future.
The AWL also has a mission statement, which in part is as follows: “To enhance the lives of Montgomery County, Maryland residents and animals through programs directed at education, adoption, animal shelter, and low cost spay/neuter.” Spaying and neutering dogs and cats is one of the most efficient ways to control the population of unwanted companion animals in our country. However, for some people it isn’t always within their budget to have these procedures performed. If the choice is to neuter or spay a pet, or provide food and annual medical care, a family that cannot do both usually opts for the necessities, which are food and medical care.
Now, thanks to The Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County, a low-cost program is now available for both dogs and cats. Cats are spayed/neutered for $50.00 each; and dogs less than 60 lbs. for $100.00 each. Although there is no economic restriction to qualify for this program, the AWL’s hope is to encourage county residents facing financial hardship to participate in this program. The application process is simple: Visit the website, www.awlmc.org, and complete an online application; email: spayneuter@awlmc.org; or phone: 301-740-2511.
If you want to help reduce the unwanted animal population in the United States, and especially in Montgomery County, Maryland; and own a dog or cat that has not been spayed or neutered, now is your chance to be a part of the solution to the unwanted pet problem. Don’t hesitate. Less unwanted pets is the first step in the elimination of euthanasia as the solution.
If you are thinking of adopting a cat or kitten, please visit The Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County (serving Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC); or your local animal shelter. And please donate.
Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County – PO Box 7041 – Gaithersburg, MD 20898 – 301-740-2511
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