As a fervent animal lover and a resident of Cary, NC, I am deeply concerned about the fate of the animals that reside in our local shelters. It breaks my heart to know that these helpless creatures might be euthanized before they find a loving home. They deserve all the care, love, and respect we humans can offer.

Animals, regardless of their condition or their past, have a right to life. It's unjust and heartless to rob them of the chance to enrich someone's life in a way only a pet can do. Unquestionably, all shelters should adopt a no-kill policy, thereby granting all animals the right to live in the shelter until they find a permanent, loving home.

In the United States, an estimated 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized annually (Humane Society, 2018). That's roughly 4,100 animals put to death each day, a number that is too high and simply unacceptable.

This doesn't have to be the case here in North Carolina. Other states and cities are finding alternatives and we should too. Policies that prioritize animal life and health, that provide medical aid and spay/neuer programs, and that engage in animal rehabilitation and foster care, have proven effective elsewhere.

If we can urge our local and state officials to adopt a no-kill policy, we can save thousands of innocent lives each year. Today, let's unite as a community of animal lovers and advocates for the voiceless. Let's urge our officials to prohibit animal euthanasia in North Carolina shelters. Please sign this petition and lend your voice to help these defenseless creatures.