The Hawaiian Humane Society protects the safety and welfare of animals in need on Oahu. I am proud to be part of an organization whose employees dedicate themselves to shelter and rescue animals, find families for pets who need homes, and advocate for the humane treatment of animals everywhere.

Recently, critics have accused the Hawaiian Humane Society of conducting unnecessary euthanasia. Nothing could be further from the truth. Over the past several years, our euthanasia rates have reached historic lows, and our protocols and processes are carried out according to strict standards.

One of the most difficult tasks I have as a board member is to review euthanasia numbers every month. Euthanasia is never an easy choice, but sometimes it is necessary. When an animal is suffering due to injury or illness, euthanasia is absolutely the most humane option. When an animal poses a safety threat, euthanasia is the most responsible option. None of these decisions are made lightly.

When euthanasia is considered, the decisions are made by a highly trained team of veterinary professionals, including technicians and licensed veterinarians, and carried out with care and compassion. We follow stringent protocols for performing euthanasia, laid out by the Humane Society of the United States.

While we believe that best practices are being followed at the Hawaiian Humane Society, the board and the nonprofit’s leadership team will engage an expert in animal welfare to conduct an independent review of our euthanasia policies and practices so that the public has the same confidence in our animal care operations that we do. The board will concurrently conduct an organizational assessment to address other concerns that have been raised.

The Hawaiian Humane Society is Oahu’s only open-admission shelter, meaning we welcome all animals 24/7. We don’t turn away sick or injured animals, or animals that pose a safety risk. Our doors are always open, regardless of space or staffing.

We take in about 75 animals daily, ranging from strays to pets voluntarily surrendered by their owners. We provide food, shelter and care to animals in need. Most rewardingly, we help place thousands of pets in loving homes every year.

So-called “no-kill” shelters say they don’t euthanize, but that’s because they can turn away animals that are unadoptable, dangerous or suffering. These animals remain in the care of unfit owners or get put on the streets, where they can get hit by a car or die of disease or starvation. We don’t see that as an acceptable option, which is why we stand by our open-admission policy and continue to support the mission of the Hawaiian Humane Society.

As emotions run high on all sides, I recognize that everyone shares the same passion and love for animals. I challenge all critics of the Hawaiian Humane Society to shift the conversation from destructive accusations, to advocating for sterilization. In late 2018, we invested $2 million to build our high-volume spay and neuter center. Spaying and neutering addresses the root of the problem and is proven to decrease the number of homeless animals, thereby reducing euthanasia rates to even lower levels in the long-term.

If we can work together to direct our energy toward increasing sterilization efforts, we will undoubtedly improve the safety and welfare of all animals in our community. In the end, isn’t that what matters most?

We welcome anyone interested in our mission to join the hundreds of volunteers helping the Hawaiian Humane Society to continue our care for all animals on Oahu.

Bob Armstrong is chairman of the board of Hawaiian Humane Society.