Frequently Asked Questions about Euthanasia
Does the LA/SPCA euthanize animals?
Unfortunately, we are forced to humanely euthanize animals due to
the large volume of homeless dogs and cats in our city. However, our
focus is on quality-of-life.
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How do you decide who to euthanize?
When an animal comes to the shelter in this
condition, the decision
to euthanize is an easier one. It is accepted as the humane thing to
do. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the animals coming into the
shelter are healthy and vibrant. Because of this, the decision is
never easy. However, it is necessary. The decision of who to
euthanize is made by our veterinarians. How that decision is made is
based on the following points.
We only euthanize when there is no space available for incoming
animals.
We choose based on temperament, health and potential for
adoptability.
Veterinarians make the decision based on input from kennel staff on
temperament.
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How long do you give the animals at your shelter
before they're euthanized?
There is no set time limit for how long an animal can remain in our
adoption program. As long as an animal maintains general good
health, a sound temperament and we have space, we'll keep a pet for
weeks, even
months.
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What are you doing to end euthanasia of the
community's animals?
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We are dedicated to eliminating
suffering and, through innovative programs, ending
animal overpopulation, cruelty, and neglect. Prior
to Katrina, we employed all of the programs below.
Post-Katrina, we are getting back up to speed. There
are several strategies that can be employed to
reduce euthanasia of unwanted animals; we were proud
to employ them all.
The Road to Eliminating Euthanasia of Homeless
Animals
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Comprehensive adoption programs
featuring weekend hours and off-site
adoption venues |
YES |
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Rescue group access to shelter animals |
YES |
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Volunteer programs to socialize animals,
promote adoptions, and help in the
operations of the shelter |
YES |
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Trap-Neuter-Return of feral cats |
YES |
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A foster care network for under-aged,
traumatized, sick, injured, or other
animals needing refuge |
YES |
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Medical and behavioral rehabilitation
programs |
YES |
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Behavior programs to address medical,
environmental, or behavioral problems |
YES |
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A clean shelter, where animals are
provided prompt veterinary care,
adequate nutrition, shelter, exercise,
and socialization |
YES |
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Spay/neuter of animals before adoption.
We will soon be adding a voucher s/n
program for the community |
YES |
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How can I help it stop?
First and for most, spay or neuter your own
pet. Encourage family and friends to spay or
neuter theirs as well. Just two unaltered cats
and all their descendents can theoretically
number 420,000 in just seven years. Two
unaltered dogs and all their descendents can
theoretically number 67,000 in just six years.
You may very well find homes for the entire
litter, but what about their offspring? They
will become part of the pet overpopulation
problem.
DO NOT buy a puppy or kitten from a pet shop.
This only encourages the business to continue to
support the irresponsible breeders or puppy mills
where they purchase their animals. No
responsible animal lover will allow an animal to
go to who ever has cash in fist. Business
shouldn’t be just business when a living,
feeling creature is involved. Pet shop animals
are often riddled with hereditary problems that
only arise months or even years after the
purchase.
Get involved with your local shelter. Work at
the grassroots level to help care for the
homeless animals, educate the community about
responsible pet ownership or help out at the
events held to help finance the organization.
The more people understand and get involved the
sooner we will see an end to the euthanasia of
homeless animals.
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