Utah Becomes Largest No-Kill State in the US

Governor Spencer Cox has decided that 2024 is officially the No-Kill Shelter Year in Utah, marking a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to animal welfare. This declaration, announced on Tuesday, positions Utah as the first no-kill state in the West and the largest in the entire United States.

Source: ABC4 Utah/YouTube

The announcement, made at the Hall of Governors, was accompanied by resounding Support from various stakeholders, including representatives from shelters and adoption centers across the state. Among them were notable figures such as Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, and leaders from Nuzzles & Co and the Cedar City Animal Adoption Center.

Best Friends Animal Society, a national organization dedicated to ending shelter deaths for cats and dogs by 2025, has played a pivotal role in Utah’s journey toward becoming a no-kill state. According to data released by the organization, 46 out of the 58 shelters in Utah have already achieved no-kill status, saving more than 45,500 cats and dogs with an impressive save rate of nearly 88%.

Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, emphasized the collective effort required to realize this ambitious goal. She said, “Community members, local shelters and rescue groups, and government officials must take Governor Cox’s words to heart as we all commit to 2024 as the year Utah goes no-kill.”

The collaboration between Best Friends Animal Society and the No-Kill Utah Coalition has been instrumental in supporting shelters throughout the state, providing them with resources, programs, and services aimed at increasing lifesaving efforts. However, achieving and sustaining no-kill status requires ongoing commitment and participation from the community. Best Friends Animal Society has outlined several ways in which Utahns can contribute to saving lives, including adopting from shelters, spaying or neutering pets, fostering animals, volunteering, and advocating for lifesaving programs.

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