Save the Kitties, Inc, organized out of the Hurricane "Katrina" animal disaster in October 2005 and rallied rescue efforts into Spalding Animal Control, a rural high kill gas shelter in GA, with a mission to decrease the massive numbers of healthy kitties needlessly & inhumanely gassed daily; Promote spay/neuter; and To assist with shelter reform; ultimately, contributing to the universal goal of eliminating the "kill" concept in our animal shelters and providing "SOCIETY'S" unfortunates with a chance, as all life deserves. SavetheKitties, Inc was a pioneer in this effort paving new paths and connections that have expanded and remain strong today.

"JimBob," the SealPoint, is the Kitty highlighting STK Profile. Jimbob was rescued from Spalding Animal Control Gas Shelter, owner surrendered due to "Fleas and Worms!" Was it an excuse? Or was Jimbob's surrender to a High Kill Gas shelter lack of education. After rescue, JimBob made his way from GA to Florida "talking!"and thrives in his forever home today

As of 2007, STK still holds strong to the value of rescue and participates in direct rescue activities, however, STK will be devoting more efforts to Animal Advocacy and Activism through "R.ally A.nimal W.elfare" (R.A.W. Power) in the future which will hopefully assist in broadening public awareness and changing negative perspectives and/or policies that may help bring about real solutions to the problems of animal injustice, over-breeding, over-population, and inhumane euthanasia. As a cohesive group, we can find better solutions and outcomes for the voiceless and deserving animals waiting desperately for change in the dark, forgotten shadows of our society. Visit Our Website to view our Mission and Objectives.www.SavetheKitties.org

In Memory of "Fritter Girl"

The Gas Chamber

GAS Euthanasia
Although many healthy and friendly adoptable animals end up in shelters, there are just not enough homes---the demand outweighs the supply. Although the face of shelters & methods of euthanasia have greatly changed over the years with more county shelters stepping up to the "rehabilitation plate" in a commendable way, animals sheltered in Animal Controls have an extremely limited time to live despite age & health---the needle for some, the Gas Chamber for others. Gas euthansia is still widely used despite the horrors."Euthanasia" literally means "good death." Supposedly, it is interpreted to mean a quick, painless, and humane method of dying and evidently beneficial to the animal. *"Euthanasia seeks to have the animal die in such a manner such that it is not suffering during the death process. Technically this is understood as meaning that the animal is unconscious during the death process." (*Center for Wildlife Damage Center) As read, abuse of the chamber is common. "While shelter policies commonly require physical separation in individual cages and close observation of the process, in many cases animals are simply shoved into the chamber, the door sealed,the button pushed, and the employee walks away. The sponsor of the bill in Tennessee that would mandate lethal injection said of the gas chamber that it "results in a slow, painful death." Ronald R. Grier and Tom L.Colvin's 1990 Euthanasia Guide for Animal Shelters recommends that all animals should be tranquilized before placement in the chamber --something that is virtually never done in practice" (Euthansia Facts).

Was this Baby Just Born to be Killed, No Less Gassed? Overpopulation leads to increased euthansia as we know and Spay/Neuter is the "Solution" of course. BUT one big problem is that many people find veterinarian fees prohibitive -- unaffordable and rising. An excuse--but a reality. Are Veterinarian costs PART of the problem? Also, if we look at some regions in rural America, review animal Control budgets as well as the cost of trapping, housing, feeding, and killing "domestic/stray" animals, and add the underlying cost of facility acquisition and staffing, seemingly the money could be better spent by allocating a percentage of current budgets to provide a more humane program that is both more economical (when viewed in the long term) and effective in maintaining control of the animal population. Some ACs (Animal Contol agencies) in various counties around the country have already implemented mandatory spay/neuter prior to adoption. Why isn't this universal? Is government also PART of the problem? Government needs to set a good example to follow. Many ACs allow animals to leave the shelter intact with mandatory requirements of S/N follow up and proof. Hypocritical in some sense? At any rate, Not good enough. What about residential apartment and similar complexes where people dump their pets, whether INTACT or ALTERED, upon relocation -- to be left abandoned, breeding, and labeled a nusiance by residents and managers, who then call animal control to trap and remove, resulting in highly possible euthanasia by 5-7 days if the animals are not adopted, reclaimed, or rescued. Are lack of more stringent policies part of the problem? Are alternative options lacking exposure. Or are innovative options needed?

This is "Peanut" AKA "Big Jake," a Domestic, Gentle Kitty Abandoned in an Apt Complex. Peanut sat in the Parking lot for 2 Weeks Waiting for his People to Return for Him; They never did. He was Rescued and Placed in a Loving New Home as the only Fur-Kid in the House. His new family is now added to the Kitty-Krazed list of Cat Lovers!

In little defense of people that do abandon even altered pets as we DON'T condone that behavior, rejection by NO Kill shelters frequently occurs and private adopt attempts often fail--leaving an owner feeling hopeless as to another recourse. And don't foget chagrin! We hear this time over. Of course we know the other "group" with no care, shame, or guilt for dumping. At any rate, more options are needed for such potential situations as rescues and animal controls are taking many of these animals off the streets anyway often in poor condition by the time help arrives--and don't forget about prey, both human & non-human! Innovative ideas & solutions are key. Do You have Any? The "Blind Eye" Attitude? Well, this is a problem deserving of its own platform. The reasons underlying our animal problems are many and not inclusive we know, but the responsiblity of our animal world and the injustice in society is Everyone's. Too many feel "It's not my problem." They're wrong; it is, and the "general public" that habitually turns that blind eye needs to take part on some level. Ultimately, the problem of overpopulation is far too big for spay/neuter ribbons, casual conversations venting disapproval, and the voices of animal advocates alone. Compassion, Cooperation, Commitment on all societal levels is the foundation. The issues need to be collectively addressed at both the government and private sectors of society to significantly change perspectives, policies, and mentalities.
To achieve this, we must first, through awareness and education, attain Compassion of county governments and residents (AC is a county issue -- not state -- not federal). Furthermore, We need nationwide official and public Cooperation for Change especially with regard to low-cost spay/neuter, differential licensing fees (license fees higher for intact dog or cat as a deterrent), allowance of TNR (Trap/Neuter/Release) with ACCEPTANCE of colony management. Also, Aggressive education, EARLY ON, addressing the REAL issues in an age-approriate manner may greatly assist with the development of positive behaviors needed for the future. And, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment -- to achieve goals. We know what the problems are, we know what is needed---and the solutions are not unattainable. Now we need massive collaboration to develop efficient methods to effectively achieve change, reduce animal over-population, which in turn will naturally bring an end to massive euthansia and significantly decrease the number of homeless animals. But even before those goals are reached, states who haven't already done so, like Georgia, should dismantle and outlaw the barbaric Gas Chamber once and for all. There is NO acceptable excuse for such a horrific, inhumane method in modern America.
Are you willing to Walk the Walk? The Animals need us All.
STK will be using the MySpace "forum" for Data collection and information gathering/sharing with regard to nationwide animal-related policies, services, innovative programs, legislation, etc. via blogs/postings. Please join in so we can all assist in further contributing to the colloborative effort of animal welfare. Forward we Go!
Our "Mascots"? The Kitties, of course!

"GiGi," An STK Spalding Gas Shelter rescue kitty assumed "FERAL?" GiGi is Now Living on Cove Creek Animal Farm...She was just plain Scared & Regressed in the Gas Shelter--and again, thought a "Wild Cat." Generally, Trapped & Pounded Ferals Never get a Second Chance. Is it lack of staff, time, or education that could have resulted in a cruel, needless death for GiGi if not for rescue? We need to know.

www.SavetheKitties.org