The following is the opinion and analysis of the writers:
Vicki Doolittle
Mark Butler
Re: the Oct. 20 article “Statistics show an inhumane Humane Society.”
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is compelled to respond to the opinion of Mr. Frank Ribeiro, regarding erroneous comparisons he made to Pima Animal Care Center (PACC)’s and the Southern Arizona Humane Society (HSSA)’s shelter euthanasia rates, practices and policies.
It is important that readers understand HSSA’s practices, intake policies and measurements of outcomes. Specifically:
Intake Policies: We are committed to ensuring that each pet entering our facility receives the best care possible while we find them a new, loving and forever home. While HSSA cannot take in every animal, we give each animal that comes to us the greatest consideration.
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Euthanasia Services: HSSA offers euthanasia services to the community for animals brought in by their owners as well as for animals in HSSA’s care. When we must face the painful decision to euthanize an animal, we do so with careful analysis and verification of terminal or untreatable health issues by a licensed veterinarian in the case of an owner-requested service, or by our own veterinarians in the case of an animal in the shelter. We do not make these decisions randomly or lightly, as was suggested by Mr. Ribeiro.
Data Reporting: When measuring intakes and outcomes, HSSA uses nationally established best practices recognized by the National Humane Society and Best Friends Network’s Shelter Pet Data Alliance. The public can find these annual reports published on the HSSA website.
Total Live Outcomes: HSSA uses a comprehensive metric called “Live Outcomes” to measure its save rates which include lost animals reunited with their families, those privately adopted, and those transferred out to partner rescue organizations to improve their chances of placement.
Annual Live Outcomes Goal: HSSA maintains a goal of achieving a Live Outcomes Rate between 94 and 96%, averaging 92.35% over the last eight fiscal years.
Animal welfare is not simply our issue, it is a community issue. That’s why we are committed to minimizing the number of unwanted, sick, injured, and homeless pets. As much as we love the pets we care for, our goal is a community where there are no homeless, unwanted, or neglected pets. We understand the responsibility we have in making this happen. For nearly 80 years, our 120 dedicated staff and nearly 885 active volunteers have devoted thousands of hours to the care of as many animals. We could not do this without the support of our generous donors and the community. To learn the facts, we invite readers to visit our website at www.hssaz.org and review our Three Pillars guidelines, and our annual Live Outcomes results.
Vicki Doolittle
Vicki Doolittle is a member of the board of directors for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA). She serves on the Executive Committee and Board Secretary, as well as on the Governance and Education, Behavior and Training committees.
Mark Butler serves as Vice Chair of the board of directors for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA). He also serves as chair of the Governance Committee and serves on the Human Resources, Education, Behavior & Training and Finance committees.
