Puppy Rights

Build shelters or find homes

OPINION| December 2025

Pets are euthanized, so they don’t have to go through the pain and suffering of a disease, or if shelters become overcrowded. There are situations where euthanasia can actually be considered relief for pets to avoid whatever suffering they would have to endure. However, euthanization of pets has become normalized when the caretakers are no longer able to take care of animals or do not want the responsibility of care. Impractical reasons are not good enough to take a life. Pets are living beings and shouldn’t have to die. Change is needed so that pets’ lives are not stolen for such insensitive and unnecessary causes.

Large breeds filling shelters

Pet shelter overpopulation is a problem because shelters can’t provide enough for these pets, and it’s leading to their deaths. Pets should not be losing their lives because of this.

Many of the dogs in shelters are larger breeds.

“On average, small dogs spent 2.7 months in the shelter, medium-sized dogs 4.5 months, and large dogs 10.4 months. This means that a large dog needs almost four times more time until it gets adopted in comparison to a small dog.” Larger dogs are not easily adopted, which has a lot to do with owners' lack of research into dog breeds that fit their lifestyles or misconceptions that larger dogs are inherently dangerous, such as pit bulls.

These dogs are characterized by their short muzzles and their often muscular frames. Dogs that were originally trained to be dangerous are being blamed and facing euthanization for being taught in that way. Is a pet being dangerous their fault, or is it the fault of those who sold them to the wrong owner? A pet can’t choose where it ends up. Blaming a dog or cat for being trained in a way that makes it dangerous is ridiculous; there should be a better option than getting rid of a pet to solve a problem. Large dogs are getting put down a lot more often than smaller or medium-sized dogs, not because of spite, but due to low adoption rates. Shelters are getting overcrowded and do not have enough resources to take care of so many pets.

Shelters need support

Animal shelters offer an alternative to euthanasia. “Humans are responsible for the pet overpopulation crisis, and humans have the obligation to turn the tide. Being a no-kill facility to us means that as long as the animal is healthy and of sound temperament. They do not have a time limit on how long it takes to find them a home,” said Stephanie Santos, employee at the Central Dakota Humane Society. The CDHS avoids euthanasia by providing cheaper vet care and extensive community outreach. Most pets are already spayed/neutered before the adoption process starts. This gives a higher chance of adoption. However, most shelters are forced to limit the time a pet can live if they’re not adopted because shelters need resources to keep running.

Holiday pets

“Animal shelters often see a spike in surrendered pets in January and February when families realize their new animal doesn't fit with their family or lifestyle,” reported Carlee Bronkema for WAND News. Pets aren’t toys; getting pets for kids who aren’t prepared to take care of them, or not thinking about what pet is the best fit for your family, is dangerous for the pet.

Unless parents are ready to take responsibility for the pet, kids shouldn’t be receiving one. Pets need a lot of time and attention; if a family cannot deal with this, then a pet isn’t the best gift option. Getting a family and then losing them because they realized they don’t want you or can’t take care of you is what a pet surrender is like in the eyes of a pet. This is traumatizing for pets; no pet should have to go through this. Presents are amazing, just not when others get hurt in the process. This is very important to consider when thinking of getting a pet for Christmas or any other holiday.

Try adoption

The CDHS dog adoption prices are: an adult dog is $250, and a puppy is $300. There must be at least two visits before the adoption process can begin, and it may lengthen if the dog is shy or has special needs. Dogs are pre-vaccinated, neutered, and trimmed.

The cost to adopt a cat varies depending on its age. The adoption fee for a cat is $80, unless it is younger than a year old. The price of a kitten is $150. For cats, there has to be only one visit before the adoption process.

More information can be found on the Central Dakota Humane Society website.

DARA MOSES

Dara Moses is a freshman; this is her first year writing for the Century Star. She is currently enacting the role of a reporter. Moses intends to better her writing and communications skills through the Century Star. Her focus will be news, arts and culture, and feature articles. Moses aspires to grow while writing for the Century Star this school year.

Moses enjoys volleyball and art. She stated during her nonexistent interview,“ I love art, but I’ll never truly be able to draw a pineapple”. Moses clarified this declaration by explaining that pineapples were incredibly hard to draw, yet she will stand strong and continue her journey of learning to draw pineapples. Moses added after as words of encouragement to “never give up, no matter how insignificant”.

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