Foreword
Following are those statements of position and policy that have been approved by the Board of Directors of the Arizona Humane Society. Taken together, these statements constitute the attitude and position of The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) regarding animal welfare and protection issues at this particular time in history.
The AHS defines itself as an organization committed to both protecting and advocating for all animals. As such, we seek to respond creatively, quickly and realistically to new challenges facing animals in society as well as in the wild. In addition, many of the issues we address are complex and mercurial. For these reasons, this volume is intended to be read as a living document; modifications to existing position and policy statements, as well as entirely new issues requiring development of statements, are anticipated.
The Arizona Humane Society is a unique and distinct charity, constituted under law and directed by its own volunteer Board of Directors; it is not an affiliate of any other organizations or entities. However, The Society wishes to acknowledge two national organizations -- The Humane Society of the United States and the American Humane Association -- for their assistance in the research and preparation of many of the following positions and policies; much is owed to these two organizations' careful preparation of their own policy documents.
The Arizona Humane Society publishes these statements as a barometer by which we expect to be judged in our efforts to help make our community a more humane society as a whole.
Printable Position Statements - PDF (154K)
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Animals as "Novelties", including Animals as Easter Pets, and the Distribution of Animals for Commercial Promotions and for Contests Topics
- Animals as "Novelties", including Animals as Easter Pets, and the Distribution of Animals for Commercial Promotions and for Contests
- Animals in Biomedical Research and Testing, including the Study of Live Animals in Elementary and Secondary School Biology
- Animals in Entertainment and Performance, including Animals in Circuses, Rodeos and Racing Events
- Assistance Animals
- Behavior Modification and Training Of Pets
- Bloodsports, including Cockfighting and Dogfighting
- Companion Animal Overpopulation
- Cosmetic Surgery on Animals
- Euthanasia, including "Selective" or "No Kill" Shelters
- Farm Animal Welfare
- Fur as Garments & Other Luxury Animal-Products
- Humane Education
- Hunting and Trapping, including "Canned Hunts"
- Pet Ownership
- Pet Stores
- Pets in Housing
- Pound Seizure
- Ritual Sacrifice
- Societal Violence
- Wild and Exotic Animals as Pets
- Wildlife and Natural Habitat Preservation, including Predator Control
- Zoos and Aquaria
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Every year, millions of animals are sold or otherwise distributed as novelties. The most common example of this practice is the annual sale of baby ducklings, chicks and rabbits in association with the Easter season. Other examples include the distribution of goldfish in association with community events and contests, and the use of various small domestic and exotic animals as promotional devices associated with the opening of a film or business.
The great majority of these animals do not survive for any length of time. Instead, they die as the result of starvation and neglect, if not as a result of the stress and conditions they experience as part of the distribution process itself.
The Arizona Humane Society is opposed to this practice, which not only causes the suffering of animals but also encourages children to be insensitive to the real needs and the suffering of animals.
Nothing in this policy is meant to reflect on events which, while having the appearance of an event or celebration, still provide for the appropriate screening of an individual's potential to adequately provide for an individual animal.
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Animals in Biomedical Research and Testing, including the Study of Live Animals in Elementary and Secondary School Biology
Regardless of the possible health benefits for both human and animals historically and currently derived from scientific research and testing on animals, and with due acknowledgement that such advances have been derived from research and testing on animals, The Arizona Humane Society expresses grave concern relating to the status quo of animals in biomedical research and testing. Such concerns are directed at the conditions for the housing of animals, the process for the review and approval of protocols using animals, and the safeguards and limited laws in place for possible protection of animals.
The Arizona Humane Society endorses the approach of The Humane Society of the United States as it relates to this complex issue; that is, that the evaluation of proposed plans for research and testing involving animals should carefully address the following three questions. Can the proposed use of animals be replaced by nonanimal methods that would yield comparable results? If not, can the proposed number of animals be reduced to a minimum without compromising the results? Can the proposed procedure be refined so that any pain, suffering, or deprivation experienced by the animals be minimized without compromising the results? These principles -- replacing, reducing, and refining animal use -- constitute the three-R's of the alternatives approach.
The Arizona Humane Society further believes that certain experiments should be prevented by legal safeguards, regardless of the possibility of alternatives. These include experiments that are unnecessarily duplicative of other studies; scientifically or medically trivial, dubious, or otherwise unnecessary; extremely painful or stressful; or otherwise fail to balance scientific aims and the public's concern for animals.
As a related matter, The Arizona Humane Society holds the following view of the study of live animals in elementary and secondary school biology: for precollege biology to have any lasting value to the student, the focus of such education must be on appreciation of animals as living, sentient creatures with an emphasis on normal behavior, life patterns and interaction with the normal environment.
The Society opposes the use of animals in school-sponsored or approved experiments, lessons or projects that interfere with the normal health or development of the animal, constitute major manipulation of the animals or the animals' behavior, or cause pain, fear, anxiety or discomfort. Experiments and activities using live animals should be limited to observation of pets, or normal living patterns of wildlife in the wild or in appropriate institutional settings. In those situations in which classroom teachers maintain live domestic animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, The Society feels strongly that the single most important lesson will be in what safeguards the teacher puts in place to guarantee the physical and psychological well being of the animal; classroom pets are often the victims of neglect. In rare instances, small native animals whose habitat can be temporarily simulated in a classroom setting may be brought in for short-term observation; but release to the original natural habitat must be arranged for after a brief period.
Finally, The Arizona Humane Society believes that dissection is unnecessary and inconsistent with the development of a humane ethic. While recognizing that banning classroom dissection is unlikely at this time The Society believes that students should, at the least, be exposed to an ethical discussion regarding the topic and provided with the choice of meaningful non-dissection alternatives.
Please also refer to the following policies within this volume: "Humane Education" and "Pound Seizure".
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Animals in Entertainment and Performance, including Animals in Circuses, Rodeos and Racing Events
The Arizona Humane Society is not opposed to the use or involvement of animals in entertainment and performance per se, but is instead opposed to and condemns such use of animals if the use by its nature or the event itself is likely to cause pain, injury, excessive stress, or death. This view is expressed for all entertainments and performances involving animals (including but not limited to animals in circuses, rodeos, racing events, television and motion pictures) as well as local community events organized as fund-raisers, for profit and/or for entertainment (such as turkey drops, wildlife roundups, goldfish swallowing competitions, etc.).
The Society is opposed to and denounces the use of pain causing devices (including but not limited to electric prods of various description, sharpened sticks, chemical irritants) intended for the training or used in the actual performance of animals. Instead, The Society believes that training must be based upon positive reinforcement and not utilize coercive or abusive techniques (e.g., striking, food deprivation) and/or devices (e.g., choking, electric shock).
In addition to opposition to events which cause observable stress, pain, injury or death, The Society seriously questions the value of any performance which denigrates animals or which is designed to simulate the pain or death of an animal. Such events can have a desensitizing effect on the community as a whole and on children in particular, helping to foster a belief that animals are impervious to pain and suffering and that animal abuse is acceptable behavior.
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Assistance Animals
The Arizona Humane Society recognizes that certain animals can help certain special-needs or handicapped individuals lead more independent or enriched lives by either assisting them in the performance of necessary tasks that would otherwise be impossible or difficult and/or by acting as a buffer against potentially debilitating loneliness and depression. For the purpose of this statement, the term "assistance animal" is used in its broadest possible sense and is meant to include such animals as guide dogs, hearing-assistance dogs, resident pets of skilled nursing facilities and other institutions, as well as the animals involved in periodic visitations to individuals in institutions and daycare facilities.
The Arizona Humane Society believes that for such a relationship to have value, the needs of both the animal and the human must be recognized and accommodated. As such, The Society is opposed to any programs or placements which include the surgical or medical alteration of an animal beyond surgical sterilization and common and sound veterinary medical practice; The Society condemns the practice of de-fanging primates, de-barking dogs or the chemical tranquilization of animals for such programs. Similarly, the training of such animals must be based upon positive reinforcement and not utilize coercive or abusive techniques (e.g., striking, food deprivation) and/or devices (e.g., choking, electric shock).
In all cases, assistance animals must have responsible and clearly identified caregivers. For assistance animals placed with handicapped individuals, that individual must be physically, emotionally and financially able to provide for the animal or reasonable accommodation must be made to provide necessary help. For assistance animals placed in group settings, individual responsible caregivers must be identified who are able to assure that the animal's physical and emotional needs are met. Finally, The Society does not accept the use of Animal Shelter animals as visiting "pet therapists" out of concern for the welfare of both the animal and the patient population; instead, visiting programs should rely upon medically and behaviorally screened animals owned by caretakers also involved in the program.
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Behavior Modification and Training Of Pets
The Arizona Humane Society believes that the training of one's companion animals is an integral part of pet-owner responsibility; that the abuse, neglect and frequent abandonment untrained animals suffer at the hands of uninformed and frustrated owners and others is of similar concern to other forms of more intentional cruelties. As such, providing adequate and humane training is on a par with providing such other basics as appropriate food, water, shelter, veterinary medical care and exercise.
The Arizona Humane Society recognizes that there are currently many different and, sometimes, conflicting schools of thought regarding the philosophy and methodology of behavior modification and training. The Society endorses any and all training practices which are based on respecting the animal and the selective positive reinforcement of essentially natural tendencies targeted to thoughtfully modify behaviors. Conversely, The Society condemns any and all training practices which are based on or utilize coercive or abusive techniques and/or devices.
Please also refer to the following policy within this volume: "Pet Ownership."
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Bloodsports, including Cockfighting and Dogfighting
The Arizona Humane Society is unequivocally opposed to so-called bloodsports such as cockfighting, dogfighting, bull fighting, coon-on-a-log, coon-in-a-hole, and other similar spectacles. The Society views such events as without any redeeming value or merit, and as symptoms of the most cruel and base tendencies; these spectacles are intentional torture presented as a source of entertainment and, often, profit.
The Arizona Humane Society actively campaigns to make all such activities criminal offenses, enforced and prosecuted at the highest appropriate level. The Society believes that any and all related activity should be illegal, including: active participation in a so-called blood sport, for amusement or for gain; owning, possessing, keeping or training any animal with the intent of involving that animal in a bloodsport; permitting or knowingly allowing a bloodsport on any premises or property under one's charge or control; knowingly spectating at a bloodsport; possession of implements for use or training of any bloodsport.
Please also refer to the following policy within this volume: "Societal Violence."
Adopted April 16, 1997
FOOTNOTE: In 1998, the Arizona Humane Society successfully lead the effort to outlaw cockfighting in Arizona.
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Companion Animal Overpopulation
The Arizona Humane Society provides temporary care and sanctuary for many thousand animals every year; the Society's Animal Shelter is one of its principal and defining programs. Companion animals -- predominantly dogs and cats, rabbits to a lesser degree, and then other animals which have been domesticated and are commonly kept as pets -- make up the great share of animals housed through this program.
The Arizona Humane Society recognizes that the current crisis in companion animal overpopulation is among the most significant if not the single largest contributing factor to the need for sheltering programs. As such, The Society believes in and promotes reasonable efforts and programs designed to help control the breeding of companion animals and to educate the public about the impact of the crisis.
The Arizona Humane Society condemns mass breeding establishments and is strongly opposed to the sale, through pet stores and other retail markets, of animals bred in such facilities. "Puppy mills" are the best known example of such establishments, but there are equivalent although generally smaller industries for other animals (such as cats, parakeets, guinea pigs) which are equally reprehensible. The Society believes that legislation, public information and the economic strength of public boycotts of such enterprises are legitimate tools to close puppy mills and other mass breeding establishments.
The Arizona Humane Society believes that should individuals choose to allow the breeding of companion animals in their care, humane standards must be in place regarding the frequency of the breedings, the conditions in which the animals are housed, the age of the mother and the ages at which the offspring and mother are separated, the regimen of preventive veterinary medical care provided, and the genetic relationship between mated pairs.
The Society further believes that anyone profiting from the sale of companion animals is obligated to review potential homes prior to the placement of the offspring with attention directed at the appropriateness of the placement for both the animal and the potential caregivers. The Society further believes that individuals and companies profiting from the sale of companion animals should be held accountable for the health of the animals produced and sold, and supports legislation mandating this sort of accountability.
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Cosmetic Surgery on Animals
The Arizona Humane Society opposes all cosmetic surgery and any other unnecessary surgical procedures on animals when such procedures are performed solely for the convenience or pleasure of the animals' owners. Examples of such procedures include tail docking and ear cropping. The declawing of cats is similarly opposed in those cases where it is performed solely for the convenience of the cat's owner.
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Euthanasia, including "Selective" or "No Kill" Shelters
The Arizona Humane Society acknowledges euthanasia of animals as an acceptable means of alleviating or preventing suffering. The Society recognizes two broad categories for the euthanasia of animals: first, the euthanasia of animals who, because of physical or behavioral characteristics, are not able to practically be provided a life which does not result in significant suffering for themselves or others; second, the euthanasia of animals who, because of limited resources (including the resource of responsible potential caregivers) can not be provided a life outside of a cage, kennel or other long-term or permanent institutional setting.
The Arizona Humane Society recognizes that the current crisis in companion animal overpopulation is among the most significant if not the largest single contributing factor to the euthanasia of otherwise healthy animals. As such, The Society believes in and promotes reasonable efforts and programs designed to help control the breeding of companion animals and to educate the public about the impact of the crisis.
The Arizona Humane Society demands that euthanasia be performed in amanner
and by a method which, to the fullest extent possible, is painless, rapid and minimizes fear and apprehension in the animal.
Currently, there is a proliferation of agencies which purport to provide shelter for animals with the assurance that euthanasia will not be performed on animals accepted. Each agency deserves to be judged on its own merits.
While The Arizona Humane Society does not oppose such a philosophy or program in and of itself, The Society does recognize that such groups are able to operate only by selecting certain animals to accept; this is in comparison to the open door policy practiced by The Arizona Humane Society based upon its philosophy. To the degree that these selective or no-kill shelters provide a complementary program to that of The Society by assisting a limited number of animals through temporary care and adoption services, it is the intent of The Society to cooperate with such agencies, if the individual agency operates according to accepted humane standards, towards the larger goal of preventing suffering.
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Farm Animal Welfare
The Arizona Humane Society, consistent with its basic belief that the prevention of unnecessary animal suffering and the promotion of an empathetic approach to all life is an essential goal of a greater humane society, expresses concern for all animal life. Based on the massive number of animals involved, The Arizona Humane Society recognizes that exploitative and manipulative practices of farm animals represents the single largest category of animal suffering and abuse.
The Arizona Humane Society firmly believes that all animals should be allowed to live in an environment for which they are biologically and psychologically predisposed. Farm animals, as animals under direct human control, can only experience such an environment if it is artificially provided for them. As such, The Arizona Humane Society calls upon the farm animal community to strive to create environments and husbandry practices which provide the following: adequate and appropriate food, water, air, shelter and exercise; effective health care and supervision; environmental complexity and enrichment to avoid boredom and sensory deprivation; handling in all stages of life, including the process which leads to the termination of life, which avoids unnecessary pain, fear and suffering.
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Fur as Garments & Other Luxury Animal-Products
The Arizona Humane Society believes that the trapping, raising and killing of animals for luxury fur garments is a source of significant animal pain and suffering; as such, The Society is opposed to these practices. Furthermore, The Arizona Humane Society believes that the use of animals as a source of luxury items (including the use of fur as garments, and the use of such materials as animal ivory and turtle shell for trinkets and novelties) fosters the wrong and harmful impression that an animal's commercial worth is determinant of an animal's true value.
It is estimated that each year in the United States more than thirteen million animals are the victims of suffering, injury and death caused by steel-jaw leghold traps. The fur industry is the largest user of these cruel and inhumane devices. The Arizona Humane Society believes that there should be an immediate ban on the use of the steel-jaw leghold trap.
Because ranched fur-bearing animals experience significant stress during life as a direct result of captivity, and because these animals further experience significant suffering at death as a direct result of the manner and methods used to kill these animals, ranched furs cannot be considered a humane alternative to wild-caught fur.
Please also refer to the following policy within this volume: "Hunting and Trapping."
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Humane Education
The Arizona Humane Society believes that cruelty directed against animals and the neglectful treatment of animals are both the actions of an uninformed mind. As such, The Arizona Humane Society believes that humane education is a principal means of preventing animal cruelty.
The Arizona Humane Society also believes that there is a real and demonstrable link between violence directed against animals and people. As one aspect of this link, young people who do not develop an appreciation for animals will likely grow into adults who have limited concern for the welfare of animals, other people and society as a whole. As such, The Arizona Humane Society believes that humane education is a principal means of preventing all forms of violence.
Furthermore, The Society believes that the development of concern beyond the well-being of one's self, one's community and own species is a logical step in the evolution of human ethics and a sign of ethical maturity.
The Arizona Humane Society defines humane education as teaching designed to foster an empathy for other living creatures and for the Earth itself. The Society believes that humane education should be a required component of all elementary and secondary school curricula.
Please also refer to the following policy in this volume: "Societal Violence."
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Hunting and Trapping, including "Canned Hunts"
The Arizona Humane Society opposes the hunting and trapping of any living creature for the sole purpose of entertainment, trophy or sport. The Society condemns these actions under two broad categories: first, for the trauma, suffering and death such hunting and trapping cause; second, for the implicit endorsement such hunting and trapping give to actions which are by nature exploitative.
The Arizona Humane Society opposes the use of steel-jaw leghold traps and all other trapping and hunting devices which, by design, cause unnecessary pain and suffering. The Society believes that use of such devices should be illegal on all public and private lands.
The Arizona Humane Society condemns "canned hunts." Canned hunts are defined as events, generally staged for a profit, which position target animals in artificial environments for the purpose of providing a hunter with the opportunity for a kill; these events often rely upon weakened, drugged or shackled animals and extending the length of time it takes for the animal to die. The Society condemns such activities as barbaric and finds any zoos, wildlife parks and similar institutions which breed and/or supply animals for "canned hunts" as culpable and inhumane.
Adopted April 16, 1997
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The Arizona Humane Society is fully supportive of the keeping of companion animals and recognizes that healthy examples of the human/companion animal bond are important and life-affirming relationships.
In the eyes of the law, pet ownership is essentially a question of property ownership. However, The Arizona Humane Society acknowledges animals as fellow sentient beings. Companion animals are living animals who have been, through the process of domestication, changed in vital and important ways by people. The Society recognizes that, by making such changes, we have made companion animals dependent upon us. As such, The Society's emphasis is on appropriate and responsible stewardship of companion animals.
The Arizona Humane Society promotes and implements policies and programs designed to promote the healthy, mutually beneficial relationship between people and animals.
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Pet Stores
The Arizona Humane Society has no intrinsic opposition to pet stores or other commercial establishments which offer for sale to the public animals commonly kept as pets. However, The Society does believe that such commercial establishments must establish policies and implement operational procedures which, to the degree possible, guarantee the physical and psychological health of the animals housed and sold through the establishment. Specifically, The Society believes that animals should be observed and examined by veterinarians prior to being placed for sale and at any time during the housing in the pet store when signs of illness or injury are observed. Furthermore, The Society believes that pet stores should provide appropriate food, clean water, adequate ventilation, adequate and size and species appropriate caging, socialization and opportunities for exercise.
The Arizona Humane Society believes that pet stores should be required by law to follow standards which promote the physical and psychological well being of the animals which they house and offer for sale.
The Arizona Humane Society condemns those segments of the pet industry which capture, transport and sell wild-caught animals and further opposes the practice of selling as pets most species of exotic animals, including captive bred individuals.
Please also refer to the following policies within this volume: "Companion Animal Overpopulation", "Pet Ownership", and "Wild and Exotic Animals as Pets."
Adopted April 16, 1997
FOOTNOTE: In 1997, the Arizona Humane Society successfully lobbied for “Shoka’s Law”, which requires pet stores to follow humane standards in their care of dogs and cats, and mandates that every dog and cat be inspected by a licensed veterinarian in Arizona prior to the sale of that animal. Consumers are offered civil and criminal action against pet stores that do not comply.
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Pets in Housing
The Arizona Humane Society believes that many individuals who could provide appropriate and loving homes for unwanted pets are prohibited from doing so by restrictive policies put in place by certain property owners and managers. The Society finds such blanket restrictions short-sighted, resulting in the death of many animals as well as depriving many people of the important relationship which can be developed with a companion animal.
The Society recognizes that certain irresponsible pet owners have, by their actions, contributed to the unwillingness of property owners and managers to allow tenants to have pets. However, The Society asks landlords to consider reasonable policies to allow pets in their housing rather than restrictive policies which essentially penalize the most responsible individuals.
The Society will not knowingly place an animal with care givers who are not allowed to maintain animals in their housing.
The Society will work with landlords and property managers to develop guidelines to allow animals in their housing. Furthermore, The Society will work with pet owners to encourage responsible ownership for the welfare and comfort of the animal, the owners and the larger community.
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Pound Seizure
The Arizona Humane Society condemns the practice of surrendering impounded animals from both public and private shelters to biomedical research laboratories, colleges, universities or other educational or training institutions, pharmaceutical houses, and other facilities that use animals or tissues from animals for experimental testing or teaching purposes or for breeding animals for such purposes.
Absent any judgment as to the merits of biomedical research and testing on animals, The Society believes that such a transfer (known as "pound seizure") contributes to the abandonment of animals by owners and others who fear such animals may be subjected to painful use.
The Society believes that the proper role of an animal shelter is that of temporary sanctuary; contrary to that mission, pound seizure reduces shelters to cheap sources for laboratories.
The Society condemns animal shelters which voluntarily participate in pound seizure, and condemns any legislative or administrative procedures which force shelters to participate in pound seizure.
Please also refer to the following policy within this volume: "Animals in Biomedical Research and Testing."
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Ritual Sacrifice
The Arizona Humane Society is opposed to the ritual sacrifice of animals. For the purposes of this statement, ritual sacrifice of animals is defined as the intentional killing, maiming or torture of an animal for the purpose of propitiating a deity or for the purpose of another occult or religious reason.
The Arizona Humane Society, while cognizant of and sensitive to issues of cultural diversity and recognizing the importance of various systems of belief, draws an important distinction between "actions" and "beliefs." As such, The Society believes that it is consistent with the community's greater good and certainly essential to the mission of this organization to prohibit acts of cruelty against animals even if such actions are purported to be a part of a religious or other belief system.
The Arizona Humane Society believes that this meaningful distinction has been repeatedly made when issues such as bigamy and the use of narcotics and other drugs have been discussed within the context of a system of religious belief. Therefore, The Arizona Humane Society supports a legislative ban on ritual animal sacrifice as defined in this statement.
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Societal Violence
The Arizona Humane Society firmly believes that violence directed at animals is in no fundamental way distinguishable from violence directed at people. The Society believes that cruelty and violence in all forms are unacceptable and integrally related, and that the species of the victim is largely determined by coincidence and opportunity.
The Society acknowledges the research which has documented what is termed "the cycle of abuse", referring to the following linked phenomena. First, some victims of child abuse will look for potential victims of their own, whether while still children or as adults, and a small animal makes a convenient target. Second, the link between abuse as a child and violent behavior as an adult is frighteningly well-documented. And third, that violence against animals can be seen as a predictor for future violent acts against people. No childhood act of violence against an animal should be excused as simply childish behavior. No violence against any victim should be summarily dismissed as a single or isolated event.
The Arizona Humane Society has accepted prevention of cruelty and violence to animals as a part of its fundamental mission and, as such, has developed various programs to implement this goal. The Society interprets this goal in its broadest possible sense and believes that it is within its mandate to advocate for a broader humane ethic throughout the whole society; that is, to help build the greater humane society.
Adopted April 16, 1997
FOOTNOTE: In 1996, the Arizona Humane Society successfully led the effort to pass legislation that made it illegal to abuse a companion animal. In 1999, the Arizona Humane Society successfully lobbied to add a felony provision to this cruelty legislation, giving prosecutors the ability to try a heinous act against a companion animal as a felony.
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Wild and Exotic Animals as Pets
The Arizona Humane Society believes that most wild and exotic animals make unsuitable pets and that, in the vast majority of instances, the captivity of such animals results in failure for both the animals and their caretakers.
While the rare exceptions do exist, most individuals interested in the keeping of wild and exotic animals are unprepared to make and, typically, uninformed as to the commitment of time, resources and finances necessary to keep such animals in a physically healthy manner. Assuming such commitments can be made and met, most wild and exotic animals still cannot adjust fully to captivity and, as such, are simply maintained.
The Society condemns those segments of the pet industry which capture, transport and sell wild-caught animals; such actions are intrinsically cruel to the animals.
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Wildlife and Natural Habitat Preservation, including Predator Control
The Arizona Humane Society believes that protection of wildlife and wild places is essential for the future of the planet and that advocacy for such preservation is part of the greater role The Society plays in the community.
The Society believes that diversity of life and living forms is of a complex natural order and recognizes that most purposeful exercises to manage this order have proven ineffective at best and frequently disastrous. While a "hands-off" policy seems impossible at this point in time, The Society does not believe that most management programs are sufficiently respectful of the many factors involved.
The Society further believes that most predator control programs as now implemented by federal and state government are unjustified and inevitably unsuccessful examples of wholesale slaughter of wildlife. In such instances in which there appears to be a justifiable need for control or management policies to be put into place, The Society encourages the use of nonlethal control measures such as repellents, immuno-contraception and chemical sterilization.
Adopted April 16, 1997
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Zoos and Aquaria
The Arizona Humane Society believes that the proper place for wild animals is in their natural, wild habitat and supports efforts to protect both wilderness and native species of fauna and flora. The Society expresses initial concern about zoos and aquaria in general in that these are facilities defined by their artificial captivity of wildlife.
Within that initial concern, The Arizona Humane Society recognizes that there exists a spectrum of facilities. The Society believes that the proper and acceptable standards and missions for zoos and aquaria include the following: the preservation and restoration of wildlife, with the eventual reintroduction into suitable wild habitat; the education of the community as to the needs of wild animals and their proper role in the ecosystem; the providing of a sanctuary for injured or previously exploited wild animals.
The Arizona Humane Society believes that few zoos and aquaria today strive to reach such standards and missions; instead, a great many facilities house exotic and/or wild animals essentially as a means of attracting consumers for the purpose of paying for entertainment and the purchase of gift shop and snack bar items. The Society pledges to assist zoos and aquaria who wish to function in an acceptable humane manner, and believes that institutions not interested in functioning in accord with these standards and missions should be permanently closed.
Adopted April 16, 1997
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