Governor Spencer Cox has officially designated 2024 as the “No-Kill Shelter Year” in Utah. This declaration underscores Utah’s unwavering commitment to achieving the ambitious goal of becoming the premier no-kill state in the west and the largest in the nation. Accordingly, the gathering of dogs and animal rights supporters filled the Hall of Governors to commemorate this momentous occasion.
Governor Cox declares Utah will become no-kill state in 2024, animal advocates celebrate victory
After the no-kill declaration from Utah’s Governor on Tuesday, Feb. 27, the city will become the first no-kill state in the western region, as ABC 4 reports. Additionally, it will be the largest no-kill state across the United States. Remarkably, 46 out of 58 shelters in Utah have already attained the coveted no-kill status.
Best Friends Animal Society enthusiastically praises this historic initiative in its home state. It is a prominent national animal welfare organization dedicated to eradicating the euthanasia of cats and dogs in American shelters by 2025.
Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, stated, “Utah is on the cusp of achieving no-kill, and Governor Cox’s declaration gives the movement an extra push to achieve this momentous accomplishment in 2024.” Continuing, she added, “Forty years ago, Best Friends made Utah its home state with the Best Friends Animal Society Sanctuary in Kanab. Now, in 2024, it just makes sense for no-kill to be on the horizon for the Beehive State.”
In addition, according to Deseret News, Castle gestured toward a rescued dog named Sunny before speaking, “There is a lot of stuff in this world that does not bring peace. I can tell you that one thing that brings you peace is saving that life right there.” Subsequently, Sunny joined Castle at the podium.
“This dog, Sunny, is here because we believe that we can do this,” she noted.
The concept of no-kill entails saving each dog’s and cat’s life in a shelter. Moreover, rather than solely pursuing a no-kill label, the objective is for every shelter to prioritize pet lifesaving and transparency unequivocally.
