Entrenched Resistance to Reform

Yesterday, a pro-no-kill advocate in Indiana sent us a link to an amazing essay.  It is well worth reading, if you are interested in reducing shelter killing: http://www.saveourstrays.com/duvin.htm.  Among other things, it analyzes the resistance shelters and their defenders (the ASPCA, the Humane Society, PETA, etc.) often show to the implementation of obvious, readily available, cost-effective alternatives to killing.

Here is one insightful passage:  

"Once leaders accept the proposition that killing the innocent is a proper role for a movement committed to justice, they tacitly place their stamp of approval on the very injustice they profess to abhor. This inevitably leads to an intensely defensive mindset among the leadership, as they must continue to defend the indefensible — not only to others, but to themselves."

Of course, we see the same kind of resistance to reform in Austin.  The ASPCA "Mission Orange" Team (which includes the pound and the Austin Humane Society) has issued a report calling the current shelter director's track record of killing 50% of impounded animals for the last eight years an example of "strong leadership."  They've also said that those who question the killing at TLAC are actually barriers to progress in Austin.  Brilliant, eh?