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  • 1.  Behavior Euthanasia

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 11-22-2024 12:52 PM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    How do you all deal with the public backlash after a behavioral euthanasia? We're a small rescue and a few volunteers are upset by the decision, some former volunteers and people that they've instigated are now blasting us on social media and want to shut us down. 


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  • 2.  RE: Behavior Euthanasia

    Posted 11-23-2024 06:18 AM

    Hi, this is a tough situation because it is an emotional one for all. People want to do their very best to save all animals. Sometimes though it can't be done. As much as we are going through the pain of making the decision, I've found these people sometimes feel helpless for a number of different reasons and their anger comes out on us. First acknowledge the pain they are feeling. Then speak to the animals needs. 

    Is the animal happy, what type of life would it have, is the animal safe, etc? Humans tend to look at death as a bad thing but for animals, I truly believe although they also feel the sorrow, they understand much better than humans, it is part of a full life. I have seen in the eyes a thank you look as they go. 

    For your volunteers, have a frank and compassionate discussion why the decision was made, what steps were taken to prevent the decision, and although hard to accept, it was the best help that could be done for this particular animal, humane euthanasia is part of helping animals. 

    Some will come to understand, others will not. Then there will be others that will continue to blast. For social media blast, they are venting their anger which is a part of grieving. Sometimes acknowledging them can backfire. Depending on the situation, might be best to let them vent without acknowledgement and other times acknowledgment could help. That is something we all have to determine for each situation.

    I don't know you, but I know from this post you are doing your best to help as many animals as you can.  

    Thank You, 

    Jeanie



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    Jean Gillan
    Animal Control
    Randolph Public Health
    MA
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Behavior Euthanasia

    Posted 11-23-2024 06:44 AM

    Hello there.

    I have been asked to perform behavior euthanasia in both the private and shelter setting, and it's always a difficult situation. Jean makes excellent points, to which I would just add a couple comments:

    For our shelter, it's always a team decision when to euthanize; hopefully that is your case as well. Make sure people know that multiple people were consulted to discuss what was best in each situation.

    We always make sure that we inform people about the euthanasia BEFORE it happens. That way, people who were involved in caretaking of the affected pet have time to say their goodbyes. 

    I have often described these dogs as having mental illness; sometimes that helps people understand that the decision for euthanasia was indeed based on a medical problem. Truly some of these dogs are unhappy, and the lifestyle that they would be required to live going forward would not be a positive one. 

    The social media part of the equation is just some added difficulty. If you can post one reply that everyone can read, it's better than responding individually to each complaining person. Likely the people blasting you have incomplete knowledge of your situation and they are just lashing out, although the (additional) pain they cause is quite real. Sorry you have to deal with that, too.

    Thank you for all you do.



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    Kirsten Cianci, VMD
    Palmetto Animal League
    Ridgeland, SC 29936
    =^..^=
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Behavior Euthanasia

    Posted 11-25-2024 08:54 AM

    I agree with the advice you've already been given. I think it is particularly important to notify stakeholders who have been directly involved with the animal in question (volunteers, staff, etc.), including providing detailed information about why the decision has been made and whom has been involved in the decision, prior to the euthanasia.  There will always be strong emotions and opinions regarding these decisions and your organization needs to have a clearly defined protocol for making them in a systematic way (whom is involved, general guidelines, benchmarks, timeframe) that is transparent but direct.

    Volunteers/staff whose values do not align with those of your organization will self-select and may choose to part ways. In discussions with these folks, encourage them to offer solutions or viable alternatives other than keeping the animal in the care of the rescue indefinitely...which is not an acceptable choice unless you choose to act as a "sanctuary" for unadoptable animals. Ask questions. What does the ideal adoptive home look like? What if management fails? What is your responsibility to the community when it comes to placement of animals with serious or dangerous behavioral issues? Will the pet have an acceptable QOL under the necessary management?

    Try not to worry too much about the opinions of people who are not involved in the organization...there will always be "armchair quarterbacks" who second-guess you. Behavioral euthanasia is a necessary and well-supported part of animal welfare work.



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    Rachel Powell DVM
    Director of Surgery
    Greenhill Humane Society
    Eugene, OR
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    Original Message


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