We ask Texas law makers to have the compassion to take steps towards Dallas County becoming "no kill" as soon as possible. Not only do you have a moral obligation, this is also proven economic impact a "no kill" policy has. 

With counties like Travis county, and Brazoria County, making tremendous efforts to be "no-kill", It is time for the Dallas area to finally be "no-kill". We ask elected officials to begin the process of making Dallas County a "no-kill" county, as other counties have done or are in the process of doing. Animals do not need to be killed when there is a better way, that benefits both the animals and the people of Dallas County. The national standard for a shelter to qualify as no-kill is a 90 percent live release rate, and with the "no-kill equation" this is possible for Dallas County! In July 2015, the live release rate for Dallas Animal Shelter was only 51.2%, we believe this to be unacceptable statistics.

HAVING a NO KILL policy has actually proven to be beneficial to the economy. "A newly released study from the University of Denver claims, between 2010-2016, Austin’s “No Kill” policy has helped drive Austin’s economy to the tune of $157 million." http://kxan.com/2017/10/19/new-study-austins-no-kill-policy-has-157-million-economic-impact/

What we ask our elected officials to consider: 

*SET A TIMEFRAME GOAL OF WHEN DALLAS COUNTY WILL BE OFFICIALLY "NO-KILL" (FOR EXAMPLE: BY 2020 DALLAS COUNTY WILL BE "NO-KILL") 

* PUT IN PLACE THE ELEVEN COMPONENTS OF THE "NO-KILL EQUATION":

1. "Trap-neuter-release (TNR) programs for free-living cats allow shelters to reduce death rates."
2. "No- and low-cost, high-volume spay/neuter
3. Cooperation with rescue groups
4. Foster care
5. Volunteer program
6. Comprehensive adoption programs
7. Pet retention
8. Medical and behavior rehabilitation programs
9. Public Relations/Community Development
10. Compassionate SHELTER director
11. Proactive redemptions

*BAN PET STORES AND FLEA MARKETS FROM SELLING PUPPIES/KITTENS (EXCLUDING SHELTER/RESCUE PETS)

*STRONGER ANIMAL ABUSE LAWS AND ENFORCEMENT OF THESE LAW. 

* Offer free spay/neuter for cats and dogs of low income owners.