Walking through the door that leads to the holding pens of the shelter, as if on cue, the incessant barking of various breeds of dogs waiting to be adopted fills the outside area, silencing the otherwise comforting noise of the mist machines keeping the animals cool on a hot summer afternoon. No Kill Los Angeles (NKLA), a coalition consisting of Best Friends Animal Society and 71 other animal welfare organizations, seeks to end the killing of healthy pets by a program with an emphasis on adoption and the spaying and neutering of pets. In its first year of operation in 2012, more than 4,000 fewer animals were euthanized than the year before, and NKLA helped in the adoptions of more than 23,000 animals according, to the organization’s website. Powered by the help of volunteers and donations from individuals and grants, NKLA is set on making its goal of making Los Angeles a “no-kill” city by 2017. To volunteer, donate or adopt a pet, visit their website at www.nkla.org.
