Animal Welfare Professionals

I have inherited the behavior panel within our org, made up of staff members, that reviews behavior reports of dogs in the program that are exhibiting concerning behaviors. This can range from simple lack of manners (jumpy/mouthy or leash pulling) to more serious behaviors like resource guarding or various aggressions and does make decisions about humane euthanasia. Does any other org have a similar panel? If so, would you be comfortable sharing any guiding documents about which staff should be on it, the roles they fill on it, purpose of the panel, who has a voice in voting for/against euthanasia, or even documents on panel structure and decision making? Thank you for any insight!

Good morning!

I previously worked for a large municipal shelter that had to make those tough decisions daily. One of the things we did was created a decision matrix and that really helped us with those tough decisions. Because the matrix did the work for us, so that decision fatigue slowly began to fade. The decisions were still hard, but they were easier this way. 

On the panel we had the leadership and a member of the medical team (either Chief Veterinarian or other veterinarian). With this group of members we could find pathways based on what the matrix decided. Sometimes it was extra social media attention, foster home, or pathway with a rescue partner only. There were 3 deciding members but there were 5-7 members that could voice opinions, but ultimately the decision was based on the matrix.  

I am no longer with the agency so I am unable to get any of the documentation, but I am happy try and answer any other questions you might have. 

I have inherited the behavior panel within our org, made up of staff members, that reviews behavior reports of dogs in the program that are exhibiting concerning behaviors. This can range from simple lack of manners (jumpy/mouthy or leash pulling) to more serious behaviors like resource guarding or various aggressions and does make decisions about humane euthanasia. Does any other org have a similar panel? If so, would you be comfortable sharing any guiding documents about which staff should be on it, the roles they fill on it, purpose of the panel, who has a voice in voting for/against euthanasia, or even documents on panel structure and decision making? Thank you for any insight!

I have inherited the behavior panel within our org, made up of staff members, that reviews behavior reports of dogs in the program that are exhibiting concerning behaviors. This can range from simple lack of manners (jumpy/mouthy or leash pulling) to more serious behaviors like resource guarding or various aggressions and does make decisions about humane euthanasia. Does any other org have a similar panel? If so, would you be comfortable sharing any guiding documents about which staff should be on it, the roles they fill on it, purpose of the panel, who has a voice in voting for/against euthanasia, or even documents on panel structure and decision making? Thank you for any insight!

We've got a similar panel in our org too. Typically, it's made up of behaviorists, trainers, vets, and animal welfare experts. The ASPCA has a comprehensive guide on euthanasia decision-making that might be helpful. 

I have inherited the behavior panel within our org, made up of staff members, that reviews behavior reports of dogs in the program that are exhibiting concerning behaviors. This can range from simple lack of manners (jumpy/mouthy or leash pulling) to more serious behaviors like resource guarding or various aggressions and does make decisions about humane euthanasia. Does any other org have a similar panel? If so, would you be comfortable sharing any guiding documents about which staff should be on it, the roles they fill on it, purpose of the panel, who has a voice in voting for/against euthanasia, or even documents on panel structure and decision making? Thank you for any insight!