I am volunteering at a local animal shelter.  Do you like animal shelters? 
I wish they didn't have to exist. Plus, in this country there's no federal organization overseeing these places, some of which need it. Others are fantastic. Good for you volunteering - very worthwhile.
Why do some need federal oversight? Are  the animals being abused? 
I don't mean that, but a couple I've been to could do with an upgrade or a good clean. At least some individual states have regulations regarding shelters, so that helps.
Ah the shelters are in bad shape.  Are other countries shelters ran by the federal government? 
There is some regulation, but I don't know how much. I do know that only four European countries ban the killing of healthy strays.
Maybe other countries will adopt the practice.  But the USA is woefully behind them in terms of progressiveness. 
In some ways yes, but then there are measures such as the Georgia Animal Protection Act, enacted in 1986.