Without promoting spay and neuter, and adoption,  a no-kill policy won’t work.

Animal advocates around the world rejoiced when Taiwan announced its upcoming no-kill policy, but sadly it indirectly led to a death-sentence for shelter director Jian Zhicheng and could spell increased suffering for thousands of dogs.

Xinwu Animal Protection and Education Centre is typical of so many of Taiwan’s shelters that are running at full capacity and groaning under the strain. Shelters are obliged to take in all surrendered animals, even when they have no room.

But things could get much worse.

Taiwan’s no-kill policy comes into force in February 2017 and concern is growing for the dogs who have been surrendered to already overburdened shelters. In Taiwan’s overcrowded shelters in the 1980s and 1990s, some dogs reportedly starved or even cannibalized each other.

Like all conscientious animal advocates, 31 year old shelter director Jian strove to rehabilitate, rehome and promote adoption. She appeared on national TV to describe her shelter’s struggles, and the emotional toll of killing hundreds of dogs dumped at her door. Instead of the support she sought, Jian came under fire herself.

The public pressure, broken system and emotional stress of killing unwanted animals were too much. Last month, Jian used euthanasia drugs to take her own life.

Public support for the concept of no-kill is not enough. Spay and neuter programs, and “adopt: don’t shop” public education programs must be in place to reduce the number of animals dumped at shelters, and adequate funding is needed to shelter and care for the animals who are surrendered, and to provide resources to prevent compassion fatigue for the workers who look after them.

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