Hollins Digital Commons

So Others May Live: An Argumentative Analysis of the “No-Kill” Shelter Movement

Janney Lounge

With the concept of "no-kill" animal shelters rising in counties across the nation, what appears to be a straightforward and "positive" move away from “traditional” animal shelters is convoluted by misunderstanding and bureaucracy. In an effort to go beyond the binary opposition of no-kill vs. traditional shelters, this undertaking is an argumentative analysis of the rhetoric used by contributing factors and organizations, focused on exploring the specific nuances of communication between divided factions as well as to the public. Rather than champion one cause over another, this paper focuses on the construction of arguments, including general phrasing, distribution of facts and information, and uses of specific wording and connotation within the chosen rhetoric. Concluding emphasis will be placed on synthesizing information in such a way as to provide a mock consultation between differing points of view, drawing comparisons which when theoretically applied allow for forward progression rather than a battle between opposing sides.