Resident Karen McCoy advocates for no kill animal shelters in Utah County

During the Highland City Council meeting on June 3, 2025, a passionate plea for animal welfare took center stage as resident Karen McCoy addressed the council regarding the urgent need for no-kill animal shelters in Utah County. McCoy, who is a resident of nearby American Fork, highlighted the stark reality that while many shelters across the nation have achieved no-kill status, Utah County's facilities lag significantly behind.

McCoy pointed out that out of 59 animal shelters in Utah, only four have not reached no-kill status, which is defined as saving at least 90% of shelter animals. She emphasized that the majority of animals euthanized in shelters are not due to behavioral or medical issues but rather a lack of space and resources. "Every 90 seconds, a dog or a cat is killed in a US shelter simply because they do not have a safe place to call home," she stated, urging the council to take action.

She provided statistics showing that the Utah County North Shelter is 531 lives away from achieving no-kill status, while the South Valley Shelter is 736 lives away. McCoy's call to action was clear: with community support and a commitment to the no-kill philosophy, it is possible to create a humane sheltering system where euthanasia is only used as a last resort.

The council meeting also included a reminder for attendees to wait for public hearings on specific agenda items, including a new residential professional zone and transportation elements of the general plan. However, McCoy's heartfelt message about animal welfare resonated strongly, highlighting a pressing issue that the council may need to address in future discussions.