EUTHANASIA
Extract from the RSPCA booklet, GUIDELINES FOR ANIMAL
SHELTERS and reaction on it:
Deciding under what circumstances an animal will be
euthanised is undoubtedly one of the most difficult policy
decisions which your organisation will have to make. It is
also a policy which will have the most far-reaching
consequences for your shelter.
Possible policies include:
*
a no-kill policy euthanasia of terminally ill animals only
*
euthanasia of unrehomeable animals (for instance aggressive
animals, animals of uncertain temperament)
*
euthanasia after a set time limit at the shelter
If your organisation wishes to ensure maximum levels of
adoption from your shelter, you will at times have to
accept the need for euthanasia of healthy animals for which
no homes can be found. This decision can be made on the
basis of the length of time the animal has already spent at
the shelter (for instance it could be put down after two
months). The decision can also be made on the basis of an
assessment of the likelihood of an animal being rehomed (
for instance aggressive, elderly or nervous dogs could be
put down while attractive animals could be kept until a
home is found).
Any time limit which is set should take into account:
*
the amount of space which an animal has at the shelter
*
the amount of time which staff or volunteers can spend with
each animal to ensure it remains sociable the pressure on
kennel space due to the number of stray or unwanted dogs
whether animals are kept in individual kennels or group
housing
note A.A.P.: not one person should decide this on his own.
Questions:
*
which qualifications must these persons have?
*
which method should be used? which not?
*
what is a reasonable period for a healthy dog in a canil?
*
is there a registration and who checks it all?
Prevent Animal Cruelty * Spay/Neuter and Vaccinate your
Pets