Barking at the Knot

Understanding the hidden history of animal services

An Active Stand Against Cat Overpopulation: The Day of the Cat – 1993

A 1993 conference called The Day of the Cat explored the then- controversial topics of TNVR and pediatric spay and neuter with shelter leaders from around the country.

Audrey Lodato

May 5, 2026

1990s

#CatOverpopulation, #FeralCats, animal control, animal services, animal shelter, Animal Welfare, animals, cat, Cat Welfare, Cats, Community Cats, Early No kill, history, HSUS, Humane Movement, Humane Societies, Kittens, Pediatric spay and neuter, Pet overpopulation, pets, Spay and neuter, TNR, TNVR
In the Arms of the Angel: The Strange History of Sadvertising

As an industry, we’ve often resorted to shocking imagery to relate to the public. But why? The history of Sadvertising has unexpected roots.

Audrey Lodato

November 28, 2025

1980s, 1990s, Animal Welfare

Advertising, animal control, animal shelters, Animal Welfare, animals, Cats, dogs, history, In the arms of the angel, pets, Sadvertising, Sarah McLaughlin, Shock and horror, Spay and neuter, The ASPCA, the humane movement, Transparency, Transparent, writing
Ed Duvin’s “Unfinished Business”

This week, in a bit of a deviation from my usual content, I’m choosing to repost Ed Duvin’s 1999 essay “Unfinished Business” in it’s entirety. I have noticed that one of the few places I could go to find this essay has disappeared. I worry it will get lost if not preserved, so this is…

Audrey Lodato

June 17, 2025

1980s, 1990s, Animal Welfare

animal control, Animal rights, Animal sheltering, Animal Welfare, animals, Cats, dogs, history, in the name of Mercy, No kill, pets, Progress, veganism

An Active Stand Against Cat Overpopulation: The Day of the Cat – 1993

In the Arms of the Angel: The Strange History of Sadvertising

Ed Duvin’s “Unfinished Business”