The recent controversy over the (HAS) was given some perspective this week when the organization No Kill Sonoma County gave them a letter praising their distinguished status as a No Kill animal shelter for 2010 and 2011, a commendation for their low euthanasia and high adoption rates.
“In 2010 the Shelter had a Live Release Rate of 93%,” read the letter, “and for 2011, as of December 26, 2011, has a Live Release Rate of 95%.”
No Kill Sonoma County is the local chapter of a “No Kill Movement” as supported by the No Kill Advocacy Center, based in Oakland. Their website states “No Kill shelters reject euthanasia for population control and adhere to an ethic that no cat or dog shall be euthanized that is treatable and adoptable or can become adoptable with medical or behavioral treatment.
“We’re very pleased with the results of our efforts,” said HAS director Julie Seal in response. "It shows that hard work, dedication, creativity and a continuous desire to go above and beyond pay off for the homeless animals of our community.”
The letter went on to note that the Healdsburg Animal Shelter saw increased adoption rates for both dogs and cats by significant percentages, and decreased the cat euthanasia from 33 in 2010 to only 13 in 2011. The dog euthanasia rate remained unchanged at 7 dogs, a “remarkable feat given the significant increase in number of dogs through the shelter” in 2011, read the letter.
Seal, who of this year, said she has been “very fortunate to have an amazing staff who jumped on board with every initiative I wanted to implement, and had their own good share of ideas they were willing to see to fruition.”
The No Kill status renewal comes at timely moment for Seal, and the Animal Shelter. Seals’ leadership has come into question recently over the case of . The dog is now in the care of King’s Kastle, an animal care facility.
Vickie Brown, the founder of No Kill Sonoma County, said she investigated the No Kill status at the request of a community member, and found that HAS was entitled to that status both for 2010 and 2011.
“Healdsburg Animal Shelter is now part of an elite but growing group of No Kill Shelters,” said Brown. “It’s something Sonoma County should be very proud of.”
