Rebecca Guinn, LifeLine Animal Project CEO, joins animal welfare leaders in a new initiative launched by Best Friends Animal Society. The focus of the initiative is to end the killing of dogs and cats in our nation’s shelters by 2025. The goal of this no-kill national committee is to save approximately 5,500 dogs and cats who are killed in shelters daily because they don’t have homes.
The efforts are led by a national no-kill steering committee, championed by Best Friends. It is composed of animal welfare leaders who are driving no-kill agendas. Their purpose is to help develop coordinated efforts and provide oversight and expertise to no-kill coalitions nationwide. They also hope to increase participation in lifesaving programs, exchange ideas and encourage others to adopt the 2025 goal.
There has been much progress for no-kill programs nationwide. But the work is segmented. As a movement, we need more efficiency and collaboration. The 2025 steering committee is focused on making the no-kill movement more accountable, committed and coordinated than ever. This will help us to achieve our national no-kill mission within the next eight years.”
2025 Steering Committee
Francis Battista – Co-Founder/Board President, Best Friends Animal Society
Judah Battista – Co-Founder/Chief Regional Programs Officer, Best Friends Animal Society;
Bonney Brown – President and Principal Consultant, Humane Network;
Brenda Barnette – General Manager, Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS);
Gregory Castle – CEO/Co-Founder, Best Friends Animal Society;
Julie Castle – CDMO, Best Friends Animal Society;
Jon Cicirelli – Director of Animal Care and Services, City of San José;
Denise Deisler – Executive Director, Jacksonville Humane Society;
Rick DuCharme – Founder and Executive Director, First Coast No More Homeless Pets;
Rebecca Guinn – CEO, LifeLine Animal Project;
Mary Ippoliti-Smith – Executive Leadership Team, Maddie’s Fund;
Dr. Ellen Jefferson – Executive Director, Austin Pets Alive!
Adam Lamb – CEO, Brandywine Valley SPCA;
Christi Metropole – Founder and Executive Director, Stray Cat Alliance;
Dr. Sara Pizano – Team Shelter USA, LLC
Lee Ann Shenefiel – Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Center;
Holly Sizemore – Chief National Programs Officer, Best Friends Animal Society;
Makena Yarbrough – Executive Director of Lynchburg Humane Society
