SPCA looks to become no-kill

At the recent board meeting of the Niagara County SPCA, working committees were formed and tasked with helping Executive Director Amy Lewis continue to enhance the programs and services provided by the society.

One of these committees is a No-Kill committee, chaired by board member Kathy Lamont, who explained that "the task of our committee is to help the SPCA reach its goal of finding a home for every adoptable animal, even those who face the challenge of rehabilitation."

The No-Kill Initiative is a program that has been implemented successfully at many shelters around the country. It consists of 11 distinct steps that work in concert to create a shelter environment in which the community, volunteers and staff all work toward the goal of saving every animal that is not irremediably suffering or dangerous. Many of these steps are already in place at the Niagara County SPCA on Lockport Road in Wheatfield and have lead to the recent dramatic increase in the number of animals saved.

Board member Kristen Strobel and Lewis will attend the national No Kill Conference in Washington, D.C., to learn more about these techniques and how others have implemented them successfully in a variety of locations around the country.

"With the help of the community we can become a no-kill shelter," said Lamont.
"This committee is just the start."