Charles Stanton: The responsibility of rescue

A recent WMUR report on animal overpopulation in New Hampshire shelters raises important concerns. I would like to offer a kind, yet differing, perspective based on our work at New Hampshire Humane Society in Laconia and through our sister organization, the Animal Rights Foundation.

Over the past six years, with support from the Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt Charitable Trust, our organization has invested more than $1.5 million into spay and neuter initiatives, resulting in more than 8,200 surgeries performed across the state, in addition to numerous other programs and services. These efforts — through our community clinic, outreach programs and collaborations with regional partners — reflect our commitment to addressing root causes rather than reacting to symptoms.

We also recognize that not every animal is suited for a shelter environment. There are instances when we must refuse intake — not out of indifference, but out of deep concern for the animal’s wellbeing and the acknowledgment that some animals will not thrive in a shelter environment. If we accept an animal without the resources to provide needed care or behavioral support, we risk becoming little more than well-intentioned hoarders. Boundaries are difficult, especially in a building full of animal lovers, but we must sometimes say “no” in order to say “yes” to helping more animals responsibly and sustainably.

Let me be clear: The burden of overpopulation cannot rest solely on the shoulders of shelter staff and small nonprofits. We partner with 19 municipalities that share in this mission and we rely on countless volunteers and community partners as well as ethical and trusted veterinarian partners who make this work possible. True progress requires community-wide investment in:

• Trap-neuter-return programs
• Accessible spay/neuter services
• Veterinary care regardless of income

We have been emboldened not only by our generous funders but also by national partners and role models like BISSELL Pet Foundation with their remarkable Fix the Future program with whom we are partnering. This work also requires the media step into its role as a true partner. WMUR reached out to us only a few hours before airing this story. If the press is genuinely interested in making a difference, in this cause or any community concern, they must move beyond surface-level coverage that essentially serves as clickbait. That means deeper research, real interviews, data-driven analysis and longer-form reporting that educates and activates the public. That also means nonprofit organizations doing challenging work are given the opportunity to meaningfully engage and respond without the "this is going to print in two hours" deadline. That is a service to no one.

In addition, our legislators must stop shrinking the state RSAs related to animal welfare, protection and enforcement. At a time when greater accountability is urgently needed, the state continues to erode the very laws that enable us to fight abuse, neglect, unethical breeding, hoarding and other irresponsible practices. These laws are not fringe concerns. They are foundational to any evolved, compassionate community. The Granite State deserves better. The Granite State is better actually. And our decisions must better reflect that.

Animal sheltering professionals across the state are working tirelessly. But this small and dedicated community will not succeed without meaningful engagement from the media, the public, and policymakers. We need a solutions-focused plan, with animal welfare professionals at the center being heard and supported by the broader community and backed by strong, enforceable laws.

The future of animal welfare in New Hampshire depends on shared responsibility, strategic investment, ethical media coverage, and courageous legislative leadership. We are ready. We cannot do it alone. And we shouldn't have to.

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Charles Stanton is the executive director of the New Hampshire Humane Society and chief executive officer of the Animal Rights Foundation.