“No Kill” month for shelters
It is ironic that Governor Ayotte has declared September as “ No Kill” month for New Hampshire animal shelters, as her Commissioner of Agriculture has recently made an abrupt and unexplained change in policy that will force New Hampshire shelters to euthanize many more animals, mostly kittens and puppies.
The Agriculture Department’s administrative rule, AGR 1705.05, allows shelters to place animals into foster care for medical or behavioral rehabilitation. For at least two decades, this rule has been interpreted to include animals who are pregnant, or lactating, and newborn animals. But a few months ago, shelters were notified by the Department of Agriculture, without explanation, that these animals would no longer be eligible for foster care.
It is widely recognized by animal protection organizations as best practice to place these animals in foster care, as the stress of the shelter environment is dangerous for these low-immunity animals, and may also expose other shelter animals to health related risks. In addition, foster care provides one-on-one attention and interaction with humans, so that both mama animals and babies can learn the social skills to make them more adoptable. There is no cost to the state for placing animals in foster care, as the shelters assume the costs of medical care, and inspect foster homes regularly.
Right-to-Know requests have been filed with Department of Agriculture, for any intra-departmental or inter-departmental communications that might explain this curious change in policy. We await the response.