Parse This: No Kill Is Dead

John Bachman, a subject of our June 30 story "Stray Bullets", has been pondering writing this letter for some time. Earlier this week he sent it, in email form, to all City Council members, Mayor Julian Castro, City Manager Sheryl Sculley and those in the Sculley's office who specifically deal with Animal Care Services. He cc'd several in the animal community and yours truly.

All,

I believe it is time for someone to declare what most must know-NO KILL IS DEAD, and the sooner everyone accepts that the sooner something may be done to resurrect it. Who killed it? That is another story and is passed history. Let us put it down to the proverbial, "too little too late". To dwell on that would detract from the task at hand- to set a new no kill goal, devise a real plan, identify the necessary resources and set a realistic schedule to really get the job done. To continue to repeat the outdated chant, "No Kill 2012" would only continue the illusion and obstruct the meaningful work needed to be done.

With the city in the process of setting the fiscal Year 2011 budget, now is the time for the city to finally actually take the lead and demonstrate that they truly support No Kill and are not just talking in order to look good. What does the City Government need to do?

1. Authorize the ACS Director, in conjunction with responsible organizations (AAPAW, SAAF, ADL, BCHS, SPAYSA, SNAP, SNIPSA SAFCC etc.)and interested persons, to devise and present an operational mulit- year plan (I suggest 3) including necessary resources, a definitive schedule of accomplishments, measurements, goals, and the required, agreed upon actions by all involved organizations. This must be done with the realization that it cannot be done incrementally. There must be a coordinated massive attack on the problem. Much groundwork has been doneon which to build. Now is the time to move.

2. Establish multiyear budget planning to accomplish the plan and achieve No Kill.

3. Include the necessary funds in the FY 2011 budget to insure the immediate start up of the necessary spay and neuter program-approximately 2 million dollars.

4. Use their collective and individual influence with privet sector donors to insure sufficient funds to match city funds for necessary Spay and Neuter and Adoptions.

Please excuse the bluntness but someone has to broach the subject so others will feel free to accept the obvious and support the necessary change. To continue business as usual and simply mouth the No Kill 2012 mantra would simply delay the inevitable realization and delay the necessary reorganization necessary to eventually reach the No Kill goal.

Brand me an alarmist; condemn me for being too negative. However, for the sake of the tens of thousands of animals killed in our facility and on our streets and the countless yet to be born into a life without hope, do something. Seriously consider what I say. Reevaluate the program. Establish a doable plan as soon as possible.

I, of course, stand ready to discuss this issue and to assist you at any time.

Sincerely Yours

John Bachman