Illinois is closer than ever to becoming a no-kill state for pets in shelters, and every resident can play a role in making it happen. Two-thirds of Illinois shelters meet the no-kill benchmark, saving at least 90% of the animals in their care. That standard accounts for the few cases where humane euthanasia is necessary but firmly rejects the outdated practice of killing animals due to space, time or a lack of coordination.
The numbers tell us the goal of making Illinois a no-kill state is achievable. Of the 120,000 pets entering Illinois shelters each year, roughly 10,000 more need to be saved for the state to be considered no-kill. To help reach that milestone, we have the tools in place: community-focused support to help people and their pets stay together, return-to-home programs for stray dogs, trap-neuter-vaccinate-return programs for community cats, open conversation-based adoptions and strong foster programs.
But to reach that finish line, we must also address where change is most urgently needed — starting with Chicago Animal Care and Control.
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In 2020, Chicago Animal Care and Control had an 87% save rate. Today, that number has dropped to 77%. Stray dog intake is higher than it has been in a decade, and return-to-home and transfer to rescue rates have fallen. The result? More animals are being killed — not due to a lack of compassion from staff but from a lack of clear direction focused on lifesaving.
As someone born in Chicago, raised and educated in Illinois and who began a public service career here, I know this state is capable of great things. We’ve got strength, resilience and the heart to cross the no-kill finish line.
Our shelter staff and volunteers are ready. Our communities are ready. Now, we need our elected and appointed leaders to be ready — to prioritize lifesaving, empower shelters, and help Illinois claim its place as a no-kill state.
The path is clear. The public is on board. Let’s work together to make Illinois a no-kill state for our pets, for our communities and for the future we believe in.
Tawny Hammond, director of No-Kill Advancement, Best Friends Animal Society, Morton Grove
Trump’s disrespect for fallen soldiers
Four American soldiers who were killed during a training exercise in Lithuania were flown back to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware Friday. Present at this solemn ceremony was the U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Traditionally, these events give the president a chance to publicly honor fallen service members. Why didn’t Donald Trump attend? Because he had already left the White House on Thursday to fly to Florida to attend a Saudi Arabia-funded LIV Golf tour dinner.
Later on Friday, he was hosting a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago that cost $1 million-per-person to attend. I wonder how the MAGA cult could explain this incredible disrespect for the four fallen soldiers.
Mark Warchol, Palos Hills
