Every animal welfare group, humane society or shelter has its own funding, its own agenda, its own objectives. But in Indiana, many of these organizations are working together to achieve one common goal: ending euthanasia as a means to control pet overpopulation.

A new coalition, Indy Pets Alive!, is unifying Indianapolis animal welfare organizations and enthusiasts to stop the process of unnecessary euthanasia. "There are so many of us swimming in the same direction," co-founder Julie Smith said. "We realized that when the entire community works together, as a team, we can do so much more to accomplish our common goal."

A remarkable objective
Indy Pets Alive! is determined to establish Central Indiana as a no-kill community by the end of 2008. "Our years of experience tell us that this is a realistic and attainable goal which has been very nearly reached in several progressive U.S. cities," Smith states. "However, we must all work together."

The numbers are sobering. In the year 2000, over 110,000 animals were euthanized in the state of Indiana. Marion County alone euthanized over 22,000 animals.

"We're taking a multi-pronged approach to achieving our goal," Smith said. "First of all, we're increasing awareness about Indiana's euthanasia situation. We're also lobbying for changes in public policy and working on an aggressive spay/neuter campaign."

This campaign includes the construction of a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in Indianapolis, and the purchase of a mobile spay/neuter vehicle. Indy Pets Alive! believes that "a progressive spay/neuter program is the most effective weapon in the war against pet overpopulation."

Members of this innovative coalition include animal-interest groups, and individuals who are committed to developing a plan for a no-kill community. Although many shelters and rescue organizations differ in their philosophies and strategies, Indy Pets Alive! encourages cooperation to achieve a common goal. "Other cities have been successful with their programs because organizations have bonded together," Smith said.

How it all began
Indy Pets Alive! was modeled after the "Austin Pets Alive" program that was successfully implemented in Austin, TX. The Indy Pets Alive! initiative also includes elements applied by the Sacramento Area Animal Coalition.

For the Smiths, it all started with one cat, Linus, who was adopted from the Humane Society. Smith explained: "Then one cat became two, two became four, and before we knew it, we had 14!"

Julie and her husband Eric knew they couldn't keep every cat they rescued, but were overwhelmed by how immense the pet overpopulation problem was. They decided to take proactive steps, and founded The Alliance For Responsible Pet Ownership, and the Indiana Companion Animal Network (I-CAN), a nonprofit animal advocacy organization whose mission is to decrease pet overpopulation.

They soon realized the need for a collaboration of animal welfare groups in Indiana. "We're all passionate animal lovers and we can find a common link," Smith remarked. On January 17th, 2002, the Smiths sponsored a public Action Summit for Indy Pets Alive!, which was well attended, and well received. "The Public reaction has been, 'It's about time!'," Mrs. Smith said.

Funding needed
Since that time, the coalition has been involved with other activities, including helping to organize a large scale pet adoption day hosted by Best Friends Indianapolis Pet Resort in April. Thirteen rescue groups participated.

The Smiths have personally provided almost 80% of the funding that Indy Pets Alive! has required thus far, including purchasing the real estate for the future home of the spay/neuter clinic. Indy Pets Alive! is desperately in need of additional funding, though, to accomplish its no-kill goal. 100% of all donations go directly to the building fund, Mrs. Smith assures. The Smiths personally cover all administrative costs.

To donate, to volunteer, or to learn about more about Indy Pets Alive! and the Indiana Companion Animal Network, visit www.spayneuter.net.