Many people are thrilled with the transition away from euthanasia and kill shelters in Utica, New York and surrounding areas of Oneida County. In a stark contrast from a decade ago, all shelters in the area are described as low or no-kill, meaning euthanasia is now only used for animals whose health has deteriorated so much that medical care will no longer help, or for animals who are dangerously aggressive.

Although some local shelters have always stood by this philosophy, others have transitioned to no-kill policies over the past ten years. This was made possible by more advocacy and a community push toward supporting only shelters that don’t kill animals when they get too full.

Looking ahead to the future, two local shelters – The Humane Society of Rome and The Susquehanna Animal Shelter in Cooperstown – have received $500,000 grants from the state to build new shelters, which will hopefully house more animals and further minimise the need for euthanasia.

For more information and to find a shelter animal near you, please visit the official website of the Stevens-Swan Humane Society HERE.