For the first time since the Austin City Council passed the so-called "no kill" ordinance last week, the city's animal shelter is taking a step towards that goal. While the city passed the "no kill" moratorium, the city will not provide any additional funding to support the needs of the animals. That's why those who work at the Town Lake Animal Center and at the Austin Humane Society are urging the community to get involved.
Alli Isbell and Dite Bourtzos can't hide their smiles as they near the Town Lake Animal Center kennel housing Laylana, the border collie mix they just adopted. While they've done their part to adopt, both ladies are thrilled with city council's move to make the Town Lake Animal center a no kill shelter.
"Animals are so innocent, they don't do anything, people just give up on them and leave them and it's just so sad," said Isbell.
"They deserve a second chance, they deserve a chance to be re-homed and re-loved and to know what a real family is like," said Bourtzos.
People like Isbell and Bourtzos are why those at the Town Lake Animal Center view the no kill moratorium favorably.
"I think this is absolutely doable," said Dorindo Pulliam, the director of the Town Lake Animal Center
But there's also the harsh reality...
"It all takes more than saying we want to be no kill, it takes people taking actions to come help us with these animals," said Pullian.
Monday and Tuesday that help came from the Austin Humane Society which transferred a total of 60 dogs and cats from the Town Lake Animal Center. That's about 20 percent of the Center's total pet population. Good for Town Lake, but not so good for the Austin Humane Society -- already a no kill shelter.
"The commitment that we're making is an additional commitment so it is more of a burden," said Frances Jonon, the executive director of Austin Humane Society.
The Austin Humane Society says more donations, volunteers, foster homes and adopters are needed.
"The only way we can really accommodate no kill in our community is we are going to need additional resources we really need the community to get involved," said Jonon.
Folks at the Town Lake Animal Center say there's reason for optimism, because at its worst more than a decade ago, the shelter euthanized three-fourths of the animals. This year, that number is down to about 30 percent. Based on those numbers, workers here feel the no kill goal is achievable.
And we should mention, when the city says "no kill" it wants to get as close as they can. Some animals will still need to be put down. Go here if you'd like to help with adoptions, fostering or just volunteering.
