|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Absolutely No-Kill: Maintaining a vegan sanctuary
By Stan Petrey
Reprinted by permission, THE ANIMALS AGENDA,
1301 S. Bayliss St., Suite 325, Baltimore, MD 21224
A philosophical debate is raging in the animal rescue community as groups seek to come to terms with the concept of "no-kill" shelters. Questions usually focus only on the fate of the homeless cats and dogs; what is often absent from the discussion are the numbers of murdered "farm" animals fed to shelter animals. Perhaps the definition of "no-kill" varies according to which species are considered companions. The issue for the Home At Last sanctuary in Salvisa, Kentucky, is whether a vegan animal rescue sanctuary can succeed in a primarily agrarian culture, and within a larger society that values dogs and cats as companions but views many others in the animal kingdom as a food source.
Home At Last Animal Sanctuary is a work in progress. In addition to being a companion- and large-animal rescue and lifetime care facility, it also includes 150 acres of woodlands set aside for rehabilitated wildlife release and protection. This rescue of one species at the expense of another contradicts our definition of "sanctuary." Using cruelty-free food is at the heart of Home At Last's mission, a challenging but not impossible task.
Implementing such a serious program requires careful study. James Peden, author of "Vegetarian Cats & Dogs," provides reliable scientific information and consults with us on specific issues. Since 1985, after years of painstaking research, Peden has guided thousands in search of safe vegan alternatives for dogs and cats.
Home At Last was organized nearly two years ago by four people, including myself, with many years of experience in companion animal rescue and animal rights activism. We understood that vegan feeding was a medically safe alternative and founded Home At Last's policies accordingly. The sanctuary, home to 70-80 domestic animals at any given time and hundreds of protected wild ones, became operational in June 1997.
The dogs were given vegetarian food from the beginning, but it has taken (and continues to take) more time to achieve vegan status for the cats, especially the 20 in off-site foster care. Of course, the courage of our convictions has been tested periodically, as when we refused the donation of thousands of pounds of meat-based dog food during a frantic search for a new supplier.
The implementation of a vegan diet for the various Home At Last residents has varied according to species. The dogs adapted quickly and willingly to vegetarianism. We began with a canned food and switched to a premium dry food after a few months. The current kibble du jour is Natural Life Vegetarian (a vegan food). In the first few months, diets of new canine arrivals were changed gradually, allowing a week or longer for adjustment. We have found this step (thankfully) to be unnecessary; the first meal of all newly rescued dogs is now vegan.
Some dogs receive a combination of kibble and homemade food (texturized vegetable protein, oats, oil and Vegedog, a supplement formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of dogs and puppies). The majority, however, eat the commercial food exclusively. Puppies are fed a mix of kibble and homemade food with slightly higher fat content and a supplement to insure full development.
The dogs display every sign of good health. They are energetic, yet emotionally balanced. Cool heads are important because our dogs live in quasi-natural environments, with small packs in huge enclosures. Some dramatic health improvements may be attributed to the diet. Casey, a dog whose weakened immune system allowed demodectic mange to cover his entire body, now has a beautiful thick coat after 16 months of vegetarianism (and treatment). Maggie, whose allergies kept her itchy and prone to hot spots, finally has a luxurious coat. Fleas didn't appear until fall, and many dogs have remained flea-free without treatment.
The primary challenge in feeding the dogs is cost. The available openings are based more on food and veterinary expenses than on physical space. There are more than 40 dogs currently on the Home At Last vegan diet. If donated meat-based food (fairly easy to acquire) were accepted, we could manage a few more at this time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|