You might be surprised to learn that the animal welfare movement is old – very old – like 1866 old. That’s when a man by the name of Henry Bergh started the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York City. Henry and his supporters ignited a passion to protect animals, but over the years the movement lost steam, and somehow the accepted practice of animal control became – adopt a few and destroy the rest.

Then about 20 years ago, something amazing happened – a re-awakening of the animal welfare movement! Henry’s dream of a society that respects animals and their right to live endures today through the No Kill movement.  

No Kill Sheltering means we vow to stop the killing and replace it with life-saving programs and strategies. Palmetto Animal League is No Kill, non-profit animal rescue organization based upon these compassionate practices, and we also offer services to help other shelters eliminate overcrowding and the need to euthanize.  

Our No Kill strategies include:

• We rescue cats and dogs from shelters where euthanasia is practiced and give each one a lifetime commitment.
• We advocate and celebrate the Trap-Neuter-Release approach to addressing feral or “community” cats.
• The Palmetto Animal League Community Clinic offers low cost spay/neuter.
• PAL manages a network of Foster families who care for pets that are too little to be adopted or in need medical/behavioral rehab.
• We offer comprehensive adoption programs, including friendly hours of operation and creative adoption incentives.
• PAL supports the adopter. Our highly-trained staff works hard to keep people and their pets together through problem solving.
• All of our pets receive a clean bill of health, both physically and mentally, helping them move through the adoption process quickly and successfully.
• We value volunteers and community involvement. Supporters like you make rescue a reality.
• COMPASSION! Our team is dedicated to saving every life possible.

Supporting the No Kill movement means 2-week-old orphan kittens get fostered and bottle fed. Puppies with upper respiratory cases get immediate medical treatment. Feral or “community” cats receive food, care and spay/neuter to reduce overpopulation. Shy or fearful dogs get one-on-one attention to help mend past hurts. Pet owners find the support they need to love and grow with their animals.     

At PAL, we refuse to end an animal’s life due to lack of space. With your help, we are able to provide a safe haven for the abandoned, abused and neglected animals the rest of the world has forgotten. These are Lives Worth Saving. If you agree, we make it easy to help. Join the No Kill movement by donating online at www.PalmettoAnimalLeague.org/lives-worth-saving.

Amy Campanini, Palmetto Animal League President

For more pet rescue info and stories, be sure to check out PAL’s column in The Bluffton Sun.