Documentaries



To read what reviewers had to say about "Born To Die," click here.

To learn more about the film and its subject matter, click here.
Every year, an estimated 5 to 10 million animals are euthanized in animal shelters in the United States. Why? Because there is no place for them to go, no homes for them. Yet we continue to let animals roam freely, unneutered and producing more unwanted animals. Their offspring often go from birth to the shelter where, if they are not adopted before their 6 days are up, they will be killed. That is where the expression "born to die" applies; newly born into this world only to be put to death. What a tragic waste of life. 
There is a solution for this overpopulation problem, and that is to spay and neuter.

Set in Las Vegas, Born to Die presents an overview of 
two animal rescue groups, Las Vegas Valley Humane Society and Heaven Can Wait Sanctuary, and their combined efforts to put a stop the explosive pet overpopulation.
We follow "Cat Lady", Bobbie Klocker, as she traps feral (wild) 
cats in order to have them spayed/neutered at a free feral cat 
clinic held monthly in Las Vegas. "The Big Fix" and "Ground Zero" programs cater to low income residents, offering them free pet spay/neuter and vaccinations.
In the city shelter, an impounded dog is allowed a total of 6 days before it is put down to make room for the next incoming dog. A euthanasia technician and the shelter office manager share a poignant interview on the tragedy of euthanasia.

The film emphasizes the need for stronger spay/neuter programs to be implemented nationwide.
This is filmmaker Joanie Spina's first film. She produced, directed, shot, and edited the film, with the cooperation of Heaven Can Wait and Humane Society volunteers.

All photographs by Robert Harding Jr. except for the 
photograph of film maker Joanie Spina and Dr. Henderson 
which was created by Andrea Dashiell.