' Unwanted ' : It ' s not for animals anymore

Maybe I'm just obsessed with language because I'm a writer. But I don't think so. I believe that the language we use to talk about animal welfare and issues both shapes and reflects the greater societal view of animals.



From the insanity of referring to killing perfectly healthy or treatable animals as "euthanasia" as long as it happens in a shelter, to calling places where animals are routinely killed in large numbers a "shelter" in the first place, to the debate over terms like "no-kill" and "high-kill" and "pet over-population" and all the other semantic battles we engage in as we try to save the lives of animals, words are tools and sometimes weapons.



Attorney and animal advocate Ryan Clinton, founder of FixAustin.org, blogged today about another problematic word used to talk about animals:

[T]he animal-welfare cliché I hate the most—the one that gets under my skin more than any other—is the unquestioned use of the term “unwanted” to describe sheltered animals, especially litters of puppies and kittens.  Its use is so insulting, so damaging, so disparaging, so downright incorrect, that I propose we ban it altogether.



[....]



And finally, consider this:  why on earth would we expect the public to embrace our cause and adopt a shelter animal if we keep calling happy, healthy, and adoptable puppies and kittens unwanted?  Do you really think that helps?  How many businesses do you know that inherently and publicly devalue their product?  No other industry does, and we shouldn’t either.  It’s crazy, it’s unhelpful, and it doesn’t make sense.



They are wanted.  Every single one of them.

I never use the term "unwanted" to describe homeless pets. It carries a universe of meaning with it -- including the whole world view that blames everything on "irresponsible pet owners," along with "throw-away pets" and "dumping animals at shelters."



If you find yourself using a term like this, think hard about it. Make sure that the meanings that trail along after the word, the implied universe that word arose from, match the message you're trying to give.



Photo: "'Unwanted?' Moi?"

Comments

[catmom5]

AMEN!!!

I have the same feelings about "shelters" that kill so freely and "euthanasia" for any kind of killing anywhere. These animals deserve so much better . . .

[Eucritta]

Weirdly, I first encountered this term just a bit over year ago, when I met the young cat I intended to adopt. 'Everyone has a hobby,' the vet who introduced us said, 'mine is rescuing unwanted cats.'



And all I could think of, right then, was, 'But - but - but - she's not unwanted! I want her!'

[mary frances]

I also like the term for feral cat to be replaced with community cat -



there have been times when even tiny kittens have been tagged "feral" by some (though they often mean well) - the word feral can sometimes be completely inaccurate and not helpful.

[CatPrrson]

I think this is a great point, Christie. "Unwanted" serves to blame the public and at the same time render the animal undesirable-sounding (and so the public doesn't want to adopt him, and gets blamed, and so the circle continues).



I'm trying to think of a good concise term to replace it. "Pets in waiting?" "Future pets?" "Homeward-bound Honeys?" Something to convey that these puppies and kitties (and bunnies and so on) are just here temporarily until they find a good home (preferably YOURS! :> )



And what catmom said about "shelters." Shelters who kill for space or convenience ought not to be called "shelters" - after all, a "shelter," defined, is a place of refuge. Just imagine the change in attitude, and probable uptick of adoptions, that would ensue if more shelters really did just that - SHELTER animals who are between homes.

[Valerie]

Some people refer to 'feral' as the 'f-word'. Since being labeled 'feral' is often a death sentence, I have to agree.

[YesBiscuit!]

Some shelters are full of so-called unwanted pets. The shelter doesn't want them and doesn't want you to want them either.

[Debbie]

You are absolutely right. Imagine the uproar if society referred to the homeless as "unwanted people"?!! They are homeless animals. Humans domesticated them. Given the opportunity, most will give their all for a person or family of their own.