Logically, you would think it would work. A city is killing too many 'pit bulls' in the shelter, so they decide that if they prohibit people from breeding these dogs, it will keep us from having to kill as many of them.
So the city passes a law that makes it mandatory that all 'pit bulls' be spayed or neuter -- with the expectation that people will quit breeding the dogs, and fewer will be killed in the shelter. If you think about, it kind of makes sense that it would work.
But it doesn't.
Because people didn't take into account what enforcement really means for such a law. It means that people who cannot afford to have their pets altered, or decided against having their pet altered, or don't realize it's the law to have their pet altered - end up having their pet seized from them. Their pet becomes a part of our overcrowded shelter system -- and often, dead.
"They wouldn't really just seize someone's pet for being unaltered and kill it would they?" you ask. The answer is yes. Yes. A resounding yes.
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In February, 2008, a pit bull named Ox was confiscated while the home owner wasn't home because he was unaltered. The dog, licensed in the neighboring city of Lee's Summit, wasn't subject to Kansas City's mandatory spay/neuter law. Ox was being taken care of at a friend's house in Kansas City. And in spite of the dog wearing a different city's license, the dog was confiscated, and 'accidentally' killed at the shelter. The head of KMCO animal control admitted the mistake, and appologized, but it didn't save Ox's life - -a dog that was taken from a home and killed because of the MSN law.
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The Kansas City law mandating the spay/neuter of all 'pit bulls' was passed in August, 2006. The passing came at a time when things were crazy in the area because a Kansas City, KS woman, Jimmie Mae McConnell, had been attacked and died from a hear attack after an alleged 'pit bull' that lived in the abandoned house next door to her. Even though no one lived in the house with the dog, and the house was ruled 'uninhabitable' by city officials, the need to 'do something' about 'pit bulls' became the hysteria of the moment.
With the pressure to "do something", the city looked toward San Francisco's MSN law for pit bulls as a solution to their problems -- and while the 'expert' testimony, by Kim Staton, admitted that the early results for the San Francisco Spay/neuter program "are not looking good", the city passed the law anyway -- and for four years the law has stood on the books, and for four years, dogs like Ox, that had a home, were pulled from that home and have been killed in the shelter.
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In the summer of 2008, KCMO animal control was called to a house because someone reported a female 'pit bull' and her litter of puppies in a home. Animal control came to the home and confiscated all of the animals. Authorities later decided that the mother of the puppies was actually a Boxer, not a 'pit bull', (Sugar, the mother, appears left) and that the mom could go home, but not the puppies. In spite of this, the city was planning to charge the man for having an unaltered 'pit bull' and let the ticket stand. Meanwhile, the litter of 8 puppies contracted parvo at the shelter and died before they could return home. (The other pictures on this blog post are of Sugar's puppies that died at the shelter)
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I think the best way to show the impact of the ordinance is to just put the numbers out there, and the supply a little explanation. Here are our euthanasia numbers for dogs since 2005 in Kansas City, Mo. The numbers reflect the total number of dogs killed in the shelter each year since 2005 -- and then, what number of those dogs were 'pit bulls' and what number were "all non-pit bulls'.
So let me walk through the numbers a bit. 2005 is the base year for this analysis -- as it is the most recent year available that is not affected at all by the ordinance. The city passed the BSL/MSN in August 2006, and it went into effect in December of 2006.
In 2006, there was a lot of confusion surrounding the ordinance, when it started, and what the requirements were. Because of this, hundreds of dogs were surrendered to the shelter -- causing a 38% increase in 'pit bulls' euthanized while the rate for all non-pit bulls was 4%.
2007 is the first full year with the BSL/MSN. While the euthanasia rate for all non-affected breeds went down by 6%, the kill rate for 'pit bulls' went up a whopping 75% vs the base year of 2005. While voluntary spay/neuter programs were having a positive impact on euthanasia for dogs of all non-pit bull breeds, with the city ordinance, unaltered 'pit bulls' by the dozens were being rounded up by animal control...and killed at the shelter.
After an abysmal start to the ordinance, the Kansas City Star ran a story in June 2008 about the higher impounds of 'pit bulls' and thus, the higher number of animals killed at the shelter -- to which, animal control director Patrick Egberuere responded, "All I can explain to you is that we obviously impound more, and the more we get off the street, the less we'll have out there."
In other words, if we kill enough of them, there will be fewer to kill -- and that will equal success. Yikes.
In 2008, there was a tremendous drop in intake (I have no confirmed explanation the sharp decline). While the euthanasia rate for all non-pit bulls went down a whopping 50% from the base year of 2005, 'pit bull' euthanasia rates were still higher than the base year before the ordinance that was supposed to keep us from killing so many 'pit bulls' in the shelter went into effect.
In 2009, the city privatized the shelter which led to a dramatic increase in adoptions for all breeds of dogs. So for both 'pit bulls' and non pit bulls, the numbers are finally significantly better than they were back in 2005. Shelter killings for 'pit bulls' were down 30% from the 2005 number and non-pit bulls -- down 63%.
But why would 'pit bull' euthanasia be down only 1/2 as much as all other breeds of dogs 4 years after the ordinance was passed to specifically decrease 'pit bull' euthanasia?
The reason can be found with a deep dive into the 2009 numbers....and in the stories of the dogs.
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Last week, a man was out in the park playing with his dog off-leash. It was a cold, snowy day in KC, and the park was pretty empty. An animal control officer stopped and talked to the man -- giving him a ticket for his dog being off-leash. The officer then saw a 'pit bull' that was hanging out in the man's car that was parked nearby. The officer asked if the pit bull was altered -- the man said yes. The officer then asked to see the dog's spay scar, the man ablidged and showed the scar. The officer determined it was a different type of scar, and impounded the man's dog and took it to animal shelter. While it seems likely this owner will get his dog back, a kennel at the shelter had to be cleared out to make room for this dog.
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A close look at the 2009 animal control impound statistics show over 200 pit bulls that were impounded because of the 'pit bull ordinance' and a full 60 more that were unaltered pit bulls that were either picked up for "other ordinance violations" or the owner agreed to surrender their dog to the animal control officer in the field with no ticket issued. In total, 270 'pit bulls' came in because they were unaltered pit bulls -- 25% of the total number of pit bulls impounded.
If you decrease the number of 'pit bulls' killed by 25% (the same percentage that were impounded due to the ordinance), you would have a 50% decline in 'pit bulls' killed compared to 2005 -- which is very close to the number for all other breeds of dogs. If we had decreased the killing of 'pit bulls' over the past 4 years at the same pace we would have from all other breeds of dogs (a reasonable assumption had we not passed a law specifically targeting them), we would have killed roughly 1800 fewer pit bulls (and this number doesn't include animals that were euthanized at the shelter to make space for the impounded dogs).
But we instead, we targeted a specific type of dog with a mandatory law.
So while low cost spay/neuter programs combined with good adoption groups in the area and more education of pet owners have had a significant impact on our overall shelter euthanasia -- the decline has been stymied among 'pit bulls' because the mandatory spay/neuter law has given animal control officers carte blanche to seize more of them from homes (dramatically increasing impounds) and causing MORE of them to die at the shelter....not less.
The law is broken. It has failed. It is currently failing - -and every day we leave it on the books more dogs are dying because of it. It is way past time we quit pretending that the law is working.
Now, I understand where Dr. Steckelberg is coming from. Half Way Homes' contract is up at the end of this month and it is important for him to talk about the success that the shelter is having so the contract can be renewed.Things are infinately better than when they were run by the city. But it is important that we are honest about our kill rate.
In 2009, the shelter killed 3,114 dogs and cats (1821 dogs, 1293 cats) - which is way more than the 100 per month they said they need to save in order to get to no kill. We don't know where this "100 per month" number comes from but KCMO impounded approximately 7500 dogs and cats this year. The 90% save rate required to reach "No Kill" status would mean we save 6750 of them, needing to increase true adoptions by 200 per month.
There are also a couple of city laws and policies that are making it much harder for Kansas City to achieve its no kill goal.
Mandatory Spay/Neuter of all "pit bulls"
In August of last year, the city instituted a "performance standard" that required animal control officers to meet a quota of impounding a minimum of 20 animals each month. In the first 7 months of the year, animal control officers averaged bringing in 303 dogs each month. In the final 5 months, it was 338 dogs per month. So with the 'new performance standards', city animal control officers brought in 35 more animals per month that Half Way Homes had to handle and adopt out -- that's an additional 420 dogs a year. While some of these additional dogs are a good thing (additional cruelty/neglect charges, strays picked up), a large number of them are a cause for concern.
It is possible, and even likely, that we could have cut shelter euthanasia by over 500 dogs just by eliminating these two policies.
If the shelter is going to have sustained success, it is not going to be enough to just adopt our way out of it -- we're going to have to minimize impounds as well. This means we need to keep up with aggressive low cost spay/neuter programs (Kansas City is fortunate to have a great low cost spay/neuter program in Spay/Neuter Kansas City) AND getting rid of policies and laws that are taking animals out of homes. And with the current 'performance standards" it will be virtually impossible for us to ever see a decrease in impounds.
In order to do this, we need not just the shelter doing its job, we need civic help as well --and we hope that animal control and the city council will work with us to get rid of these policies that are leading to increased shelter killing.
While great strides have been made now is not the time to sit on our laurels. We're still a long way from no kill and it is important that the city maintain the contract of a privatized shelter so we can build on that success. While it is not imperative that Half Way Homes keep the contract, we cannot allow the city to take control of the shelter back. Regardless of who runs the shelter, we cannot expect them to solely adopt our way to no kill. It is also important that the city leaders and the public know exactly where we stand in our quest to become a no kill city, so we can take the necessary steps to improve things further.The privatized shelter is a good first step. Improving animal control policies is a necessary next one.
Tomorrow, I will cover the top stories for the year throughout the US, but today we're going to focus on the top animal welfare stories of the year in the Kansas City metro. Because of a lot of the great work by a lot of great groups we are making progress toward eliminating the senseless killing of animals in our city --- but it hasn't been without its struggles. So today are the best and the worst of what was animal welfare news in the Kansas City metro in 2009.
1) Saving lives in Kansas City, KS
After years and years of consistent killing in the Kansas City, KS shelter, the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City worked a deal with the shelter that would allow them to pull animals from the shelter for adoption. For the first 8 months of the year, KCK's euthanasia rate went from 56% to less than 4%. In 2008 the KCK shelter killed nearly 1500 stray pets -- through September of this year they had euthanized only 66 -- all of which they say showed "extreme aggression". I still have concerns that with the city's current laws -- including MSN, BSL and very restrictive pet limits - that this is sustainable long term, but the early success by HSGKC and their "Ray of Light" program earns the top spot for news item of the year.
2) Kansas City, MO shelter privatizes
In February of this year, Kansas City, MO voted to privatize the shelter operations and allow a local organization, Half Way Home Animal Shelter, to run the shelter operations for the city. Nearly instantly, the number of animals adopted from Half Way Home went up from about 75-100 animals getting adopted out per month to over 300. In 2008, the Kansas City animal shelter, under public control, euthanized 64% of the animals that it impounded. Things will be better for 2009 -- and will come at a savings of $175,000 to the city. While the new situation hasn't been without its struggles, the step in the right direction makes this the year's #2 story.
3) Greenwood Missouri Repeals BSL
Greenwood, MO became the third local community to repeal a long-standing ban on "pit bulls" -- and replaced the breed specific legislation with a behavior-based ordinance.. The community had worked hard to re-work their animal control contract to be handled by nearby Lee's Summit, which allowed them more options with the change in their dog ordinance. An article in the Greenwood Dispatch noted that Greedwood was on the "leading small communities in the area with regard to dog legislation." KC Dog Advocates members worked with the city for more than a year to assist them with the repeal.
4) KCMO Adopts New "Performance Standards" for Animal Control
One of the struggles that has affected the success of the new privatized Animal Shelter, is an increase in impound numbers from KCMO Animal Control. With more ACOs on the streets, more animals are coming in, making the shelter workers at Half Way Home's job more difficult. In August, KCMO AC instituted a new quota system, er, "Performance Standards" that is setting minimums for the number of animals being brought in by animal control officers. Instead of incenting mediation and working to keep animals in homes, the animal control is incenting officers to bring more dogs into the shelter.Unfortunately, they based their minimum quota number off of their summer numbers - that if met during winter months, would dramatically increase the intake rate at the shelter.
5) Spay/Neuter Kansas City Opens up new facility
With the help of some city and county dollars, Kansas City's largest low cost/no cost spay/neuter facility opened up a new facility at 59th and Troost in Kansas City (Pictured). In 2008, SNKC altered 5600 dogs and cats, and with the new facility, is expecting that number to go up to around 8,000 in 2009, and more in 2010. SNKC really does a great job serving the needs of the low-income population of Kansas City and the new location -- both in size and better location for them -- will continue their great work. SNKC also runs a great outreach program as well.
6) Animal Haven Opens up Mall Adoption Center for the Holidays
Animal Haven, an animal shelter that handles all animal control intake for 11 communities in the Kansas City metro (all in Johnson County, KS) opened up a satellite adoption center at Oak Park Mall for the holiday season. With still a week left in their 5 week lease, Animal Haven had adopted out 159 animals from the mall location.
7) Kansas City Dog Park Chaos
After two years of study, a Citizen's Task Force made recommendations on park locations that would be suitable for possible dog parks in the city. However, after a month of review, the Kansas City Missouri Parks Board scrapped the recommendation and decided to institute awhole set of arbitrary rules for the dog parks -- virtually insuring that about 90% of the parks in the city -- and all of the ones in urban neighborhoods -- can never have a dog park. The decision left a black eye on the political process in the city, and is poor for urban neighborhoods and dog owners in the city.
8) Kansas Citians step up for good causes
In late August, the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City sent out a plea for help. The Ray of Light Program (See #1) had been saving the lives of hundreds of animals in Kansas City, KS, but the additional cost to HSGKC was running at about $10,000 a month. Because of the high expense, the program was in jeopardy of running out of money, so they sent out a plea for financial help. Within the week, the program had received just under $100,000 in donations. Even local rescue group The Pet Connection helped in the fundraising efforts. The support for the program was an amazing testiment to the willlingness of the public to help out organizations and programs that are doing it right -- but it also speaks to the need to make some improvements in the KCK laws to make the progress sustainable. HSGKC is doing great work, but needs municiple support.
Kansas Citians also stepped up for The Pet Connection earlier this year after thousands of dollars in kennels and fencing were stolen from their facility. They sent out a plea for help and thousands of dollars more than needed were raised in a short amount of time. Kansas Citians will support good animal welfare organizations.
9) Animal Haven Announces Plans for New Shelter
Animal Haven had a public conference that showed plans for a proposed new shelter in Lenexa that would more than triple the current amount of space for their shelter. Animal Haven operates as a no-kill shelter for all animals impounded in 11 metro cities, but a new facility would greatly enhance their operation and ability to grow with the communities they serve. Animal Haven is currently raising money for this new facility.
10) Revised Animal Legislation -- some good, most bad - around the metro
Back in early November, Prairie Village, KS passed a law that would allow police and animal control officers to enter fenced back yards to impound barking dogs. While officials say they will only enforce the law as a last resort -- preferring instead to go through the old proceedure and contacting the pet owner and getting them to comply with noise restrictions. I'm no fan of consistently barking dogs -- especially when they interrupt my sleep, however, it seems allowing dogs to be confiscated just for barking is a recipe for increasing shelter intakes which seldom ends well for the dogs -- and may very well be unconstitutional. The PV law is just another example of municiple code that is making it harder for our local rescues and shelters.
Also this year, Independence, MO passed a law that gave more flexibility in their pet limit -- allowing four dogs or cats vs just two dogs and two cats. However, in March, Independence refused to pass new legislation that would protect feral cats and allow for TNR for feral cats in their community.
Overland Park, KS adjusted its polciy that requires 10-day holds at the shelter for animals that commit minor bites if the animal has proof of rabies vaccination. The new policy instead allows for the pets to be on 10-day quarantine in their own homes. The new policy will take pressure off of the shelter to make space for the animals while they are on hold.
As you can see, we have a lot of really great things going on in the KC metro. However, we are in dire need of the municipalities to work WITH rescue groups and shelters to make Kansas City a better city for pets and pet owners (and eventually, a no-kill metro). There are still way too many laws such as breed bans, mandatory spay/neuter, overly restrictive pet limit laws - and policies such as quotas -- that are dramatically inreasing intake numbers throughout the metro putting undue pressure on the rescue community and costing animals their lives. We MUST get municiple support to advance our cause. And that support will ONLY come from the citizens in their communities DEMANDING it - -and voting in dog-friendly candidates.
As Kansas City braces for its first major winter storm of the year (this one is looking ugly), Spay/Neuter Kansas City's outreach program got some great news coverage yesterday. SNKC's outreach program is designed to go into poor, urban neighborhoods in Kansas City and helping pet owners to take better care of their pets in harsh winter conditions. They help provide good dog houses, straw, food, blankets, etc for people who may not be able to afford it.
Obviously, they try to get as many of the animals as possible indoors -- but for many who rent houses, bringing the dog indoors may not be an option. In the end, their goal is to make things as comfortable for the dogs as possible -- and help low-income pet owners. By helping keep these animals in their homes, it helps prevent more animals from coming into the shelter -- and eventually being replaced.
I can't say enough good things about this program. I think it is an awesome way to not only help animals, but to build trust in neighborhoods that are often targeted by enforcement officials. Instead of going into the neighborhoods to punish people for "not caring for their dogs", they are going in and helping people. It's a completely different mindset than many have - -and a way better end result. Nice program for SNKC -- and great news coverage by KSHB.
