The concept of a `no kill' animal shelter is one that we have all dreamed of and place high on the list of our goals. The `no kill' concept is plainly and simply a marketing concept for those shelters advocating this policy often to the detriment of animals and the other shelters struggling to do the right thing.

A `no kill' shelter has a very selective `selection process' of what animals it will accept through its doors and will only take those animals it knows that it can rehome. Thousands of other animals are turned away and end up at council pounds or other animal welfare shelters that will take sick, injured, aggressive and old, unsocialised dogs and cats - this is done knowing full well that the only fate for a large percentage of these will be euthanasia.

The `no kill' shelters have made it extremely difficult for other animal welfare agencies to fundraise effectively and retain a strong staff and volunteer base. We all know that the worst job in any shelter is euthanasia and the public would rather donate to an organisation that appears to be rehoming all animals in need. In truth, these organisations are helping less animals and placing more strain, financially, emotionally and physically on other shelters.

In the animal welfare industry euthanasia is a horrible necessity as there will always be animals that cannot be rehomed, by reason of their health status or temperament. `No kill' shelters, are shrugging off this responsibility, fooling the public and accepting the credit for - sending an animal home with a new owner. The focus needs to shift away from our euthanasia rate and the emphasis put on being able to rehome more animals either by way of education, establishing the suitability of dog/owner relationship, basic obedience training and health care. By concentrating resources and energies on these outcomes it will automatically reduce the number of animals needing to be euthanased - `A kill less policy.'