The Lure of Killing
The more clearly the term "unadoptable" is defined, the less likely abuses will occur. There will always be tremendous temptation for no-kill administrators to manipulate kill rates by mislabeling animals as "unadoptable" to meet no-kill objectives. Pressure to curry favor with the public, contributors, board members and superiors will at times be overwhelming. Deterrents must be put in place at the outset to discourage fraudulent representations. Remedies may include regular reviews by outside committees, open-door policies for rescues and visitors, public display of impound data, published guidelines and procedures and criminal prosecution for intentional misrepresentations.