AWLA should implement the following changes without delay:
1. Abide by “Oreo’s Law“. At least 48 hours before euthanizing any healthy or treatable dog or cat, e-mail a profile of the animal to approved local animal-rescue groups. Offer the animal to any group willing to accept it.
2. Use the standard Animal Statistics Table designed by Maddie’s Fund to track animal outcomes. Publish the annual results on the AWLA website.
3. Allow Arlington County to appoint three members to the AWLA Board of Directors. These County-appointed directors should be selected from a list of nominees proposed by DC-area animal-rescue organizations.
4. Publish a list of the animal-rescue groups approved to receive animals from AWLA in a prominent place on the AWLA website. State on the website that a 501(c)(3) rescue organization can apply for a relationship with AWLA by submitting its Form 990 filing, its website URL, its policy handbook (or equivalent documents), and five references from the local animal-rescue community.
5. Implement a fostering program for dogs that need rehabilitation or training in order to become good candidates for adoption.
6. Stage or participate in at least three dog-adoption events per year. Take all adoptable shelter dogs to each event.
7. Design and implement a TNR (trap-neuter-release) program for Arlington’s feral cats.
8. Promote the AWLA low-cost spay/neuter program in community newsletters, on Arlington-oriented websites, and at venues like dog parks and coffee shops.
9. Create dog “bedrooms” and cat “cuddle rooms” (where prospective adopters can meet several cats at once) during the upcoming shelter-facility renovation. (See the Starr SPCA in Richmond for examples of these.)
I know some people are opposed to TNR programs. While I agree that TNR is certainly not ideal, Arlington County will not do anything about feral cats. Unless the rules have changed since I checked last year, citizens are not permitted to set up humane traps on their own property. As feral cats aren’t usually cooperative when you attempt to catch them, this creates a no win situation. Additionally, ACOs will not catch a feral cat unless it is visibly sick or injured. Meanwhile, the cats are breeding, creating more feral cats at an exponential rate. By utilizing TNR, Arlington County will cut the number of feral cats and will lessen the number of extremely young kittens that are brought to the shelter and placed in foster programs.
I trapped 2 feral cats on my property and had them spayed, and released them back. I pay for food, I provide them with shelter. If they are hurt, I will provide them with a vet. No one is going to tell me I can’t do that on my own property. They can come arrest me!