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DENVER, Nov. 15, 2006 – The Tompkins County SPCA was recently honored by the American Humane Association as a national leader in the animal welfare field for its innovative and effective pet fostering program. When Tompkins County SPCA has more animals than space, it turns to foster parents to handle the overflow. Foster parents are recruited from the volunteer bank and all veterinary services are provided. They are able to save between 90 and 95 percent of perspective pets, and the animals receive rich socialization in a home environment.

The Tompkins County SPCA is one of 42 organizations across the country to be recognized for “best practices” as part of American Humane’s national initiative “Getting To Zero: Ending Euthanasia of Healthy & Treatable Animals.” The initiative, which kicked off at American Humane’s annual conference in September, is based on the profound belief that American society can reduce to zero the number of healthy and treatable dogs, cats and other companion animals that are euthanized in animal care and control facilities. In launching the initiative, American Humane evaluated dozens of programs and recognized organizations whose programs were deemed to represent best practices that can help make this goal a reality.

“One of our highest priorities is the reduction and eventual elimination of euthanasia of healthy and treatable dogs and cats,” said Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane. “Although many Americans maintain a deep love and affection for animals, and pets are cherished members of millions of families, the millions of healthy, adoptable dogs and cats euthanized each year remains an unconscionable situation that must be corrected.”

American Humane believes that seeking out and identifying programs with a demonstrated record of success in adoption, foster care, spay/neuter, training and transfer, and disseminating these best practices nationwide, will engender community support for solutions that will benefit both the animals and the human family members who care for them.

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