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?

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