RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – The Richmond SPCA announced on Facebook Wednesday 35,000 pets lives have been “saved” since the organization became “no-kill” in 2002.
“Saving the lives of 35,000 dogs and cats over the last 12 years is an incredible testament to all of the staff and volunteers who have dedicated themselves to providing the best loving care to each individual animal awaiting a home and to all of the adopters who have opened their hearts and homes to dogs and cats from the Richmond SPCA,” SPCA Chief Executive Officer Robin Robertson Starr said. “Our no-kill decision sprang from our commitment to save animals but was premised in our faith in our community to embrace the principle that every life is precious. They have proven many times over that faith is well founded, and together we will continue making progress for the animals whose lives depend on us.”
In 2001, the year before the Richmond SPCA went “no kill,” 3,223 homeless dogs and cats lost their lives at the Richmond SPCA and the Richmond City Shelter, according to the SPCA. Last year that number was 863 and none of those animals were healthy.
“The essence of the no-kill philosophy is the belief that taking the lives of healthy and treatable sick and injured pets is not ethical regardless of pragmatic reasons. They are sentient beings who love life and feel pain just as humans do,” an Richmond SPCA spokeswoman said.
