This is exactly why every single one of my pets is a rescue...this seems to be primarily about dogs but I know that cats get the same exact treatment. My dads very loving doberman, Max, was hours from being destroyed when my dad thankfully walked into the shelter (he drove for hours to get to this shelter too) and saved him, even though he was labeled as "agressive" He wasn't, he was just a scared puppy who wouldn't have had a home if it weren't for some very awesome shelter voulenteers. My dog, Shiloh, was on the chopping block because he was a GSD found running wild with his littermates. Remus was a kitten when I adopted him, and kittens usually get special concideration, but his littermate had health issues and Im sure he was destroyed almost imediately after I adopted Remus.

Shelters are necciary evils, and will be until people stop breeding unecicerily (sp?) The reality is sad, but its something that can be combated with education and awareness.