There are many serious issues facing our nation as a whole as well as our community.

One need not look very far to see that we have employed a “finger in the dike” mentality to try to patch the leaks in our crumbling infrastructure. Instead of being reactive, however, why not try being proactive? In the case of local animal shelter high euthanasia rates, prevention is the key — and this means being proactive.

Being proactive involves vision and long-range planning by dedicated, like-minded individuals. The issue of animal shelter euthanasia is an emotionally polarizing one. The history behind animal shelters and the euthanasia decision is a long and critically important one to understanding the scope of the problem. Nationwide, there is a strong movement gaining momentum to go to “no kill” shelters.

A review of terminology revealed that a “no kill” shelter generally does not euthanize except in cases of terminal illness, injury or aggression. “High save” shelters have a similar definition where the emphasis is on sheltering and rehabilitation, with euthanasia used only as above. Some sources argue that “no kill” and “high save” shelters are really “limited admission” shelters, meaning they only take healthy, behaviorally sound animals when they have space. “Open access” means all animals are accepted, regardless of age, health or behavior. Supporters of “open access” shelters state that the animals that cannot be accepted at the “no kill” or “high save” shelters must go somewhere.

The Oregon Humane Society (limited admission), according to its 2010 annual report, had a save rate of 97 percent. CRAFT (Cat Rescue and Foster Team), a “no kill” shelter, found homes for 1,154 cats and kittens in 2010. CRAFT relies on an all-volunteer staff and donations. The Redmond Humane Society (high save) has been able to offer a very successful low-cost spay and neuter program open to all of the public, therefore reducing surplus animals. The Humane Society of the Ochocos (no kill) states in its resolution that euthanasia will no longer be used as a convenience or a way to “make space.” The Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO), an “open access” shelter, according to its 2010 annual report, sheltered 3,881 animals, with 1,784 being adopted or transferred and 1,077 lost animals reunited with their families. This left 1,020 animals unaccounted for. A review of the County Board of Supervisors’ minutes showed that these animals, mostly cats, were euthanized for a variety of reasons.

Our community needs to encourage HSCO to achieve higher save rates. HSCO does much that is good, but in this area it could do better. In communities where successful “no kill” shelters have been implemented, the following programs were put into place in the shelter:

• A high-volume, low-cost spay and neuter program accessible to all people. A successful program can reduce the number of unwanted animals by thousands. It has been estimated that a single pair of cats and their offspring can give rise to as many as 5,000 cats in seven years.

• TNR programs: Trap, neuter and return for control of feral cats.

• A comprehensive adoption program that has increased visibility and impact in the community.

• Medical and behavioral rehabilitation.

As members of our community, as well as responsible pet owners, we owe it to our shelters to check them out first when it is time for a new or additional pet. Altering before the first heat means a huge reduction in reproductive cancers as well as unwanted behavioral habits. Fostering already pregnant animals can be an ideal way to teach children responsibility at a young age.

If we can be proactive, it reduces HSCO’s need to be reactive.