No-Kill Cities
The answer to Lubbock's stray dog problem is solution that allows for more than ending their lives.
Wilbanks said he thinks Lubbock should follow in his shelters steps and become a no-kill city.
“I think Lubbock could do the same as us,” Wilbanks said. “All they need is a clinic willing to help.”
Wilbanks said a spay-and-neuter program would reduce the number of strays in the long run and save the city money.
According to the California Legislature and “The Hayden Law” the most accepted definition of no-kill is a place where all adoptable and treatable animals are saved and where only animals that cannot be rehabilitated or adopted are euthanized.
Many cities across the United States have begun instituting no kill programs. According to the No Kill NOW! Web site those cities include San Francisco, New York and various cities in Utah. Nevada is currently petitioning for a no-kill legislator.
“Originally me and my wife’s goals were to save every dog in Lubbock,” Wilbanks said. “Now we just want to make our mark by turning Lubbock into a no-kill city.”
He said he believes the Lubbock community is a big part of the problem.
“A lot of people in Lubbock are very uncaring,” he said. “They just let the dogs get out, breed and then have puppies.”
Wilbanks said he believes in the long run the programs would save Lubbock money because it would reduce the near 24,000 dogs euthanized annually by the city.
Although at one time Wilbanks said he considered himself quite the activist in the movements meant to make Lubbock a better place for people and animals alike, in recent years he has grown discouraged with the slow-to-change city out on the South Plains.
“I keep thinking one day everything in Lubbock will be ok,” he said.
