Under previous management Maui Humane Society (MHS) implemented many life saving programs, including the 'Last Resort' phone call. This was a safety net that gave the chance for surrendered animals to be saved before MHS euthanized them. The public paid a fee for MHS to call and inform them if the animal they surrendered had been deemed "unadoptable" during the intake process. According to MHS' euthanasia categories an animal can be killed for having something as simple as worms, ear-mites, or a common upper respiratory infection. They are killed when all they might need is a couple weeks of simple medication. The 'Last Resort' phone call gave the chance for the surrenderer to come pick up the animal and try to re-home it on their own, hence saving their life.

Recently MHS has discontinued this life saving strategy and animals are needlessly being killed because of it. The community does not find this acceptable and strongly urges MHS do right by the animals and reinstate 'Last Resort' phone calls immediately. 

Cats and kittens are currently being euthanized at high rates. Per MHS’ publicly posted statistics, 469 live cats came in June 2021 and 139 were euthanized. That averages out to over 4 cats/kittens per day being euthanized. The community also requests that MHS start posting euthanasia lists publicly, as many other shelters do, so that rescues and foster homes have the chance to step up and help the animals before they are euthanized. We can not help if we don't know what cases are in need.

Additionally, we are asking MHS to refocus on other life saving strategies like looking at some of their barriers to adoptions. For example, charging the public just to look at the animals inside the shelter deters potential adopters and lowers the amount of animals finding new homes. The fee MHS is charging to look at the animals up for adoption needs to stop.