Do Animal Shelters Kill Animals?

Do Animal Shelters Kill Animals? (Find Out)

Animal shelters are places where lost, abandoned, or owner-surrendered animals can find safety. However, there is a common misunderstanding that every animal entering these shelters gets a second chance at life. 

The truth is many shelters sometimes have to make the tough choice to put animals to sleep due to problems such as overcrowding and or limited resources. In this article, we will discuss the sensitive issue of animal shelters having to euthanize animals. We will also discuss why it happens, whether it is legal, and ways we can support these animals.

Do shelters kill animals?

Yes, animal shelters do euthanize animals. According to a report from The Washington Post, approximately 2.7 million animals are put to sleep in shelters in the United States every year. This includes animals that are unwell, injured, displaying aggression, or are considered unadoptable because of their age or breed. While some shelters follow a "no-kill" policy, meaning they only euthanize animals in extreme cases, not all shelters have the means to sustain such an approach.

Is it legal for shelters to kill animals?

Yes, it is legal for animal shelters to euthanize animals in specific situations. State laws govern the methods of euthanasia that can be used for animals housed in animal shelters. In most instances, animal shelters are allowed to euthanize animals.

Animal shelters typically have the legal authority to euthanize animals that have not been claimed by their owners after a set period, which is often between five and fifteen days, and after the shelter has genuinely attempted to contact the owner. Additionally, animal shelters may euthanize animals that are considered too aggressive, unfit for adoption, or suffering from severe illness, making them unsafe for public adoption.

Nevertheless, animal shelters are required to adhere to state laws and regulations before euthanizing a pet, which may involve waiting for a certain period and notifying registered owners in writing. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) emphasizes that euthanasia is a humane method to end an animal's suffering, particularly when an animal is enduring a serious illness or injury.

There are also legal safeguards in place to guarantee that animals are euthanized humanely and shelters do not euthanize animals needlessly. For example, the Animal Welfare Act mandates that animals should be euthanized by a trained professional using approved methods.

Why do shelters kill animals?

Many people wrongly think that animal shelters kill animals without reason. But the truth is, there are several important reasons why animal shelters sometimes have to put pets to sleep. Here are the main reasons:

1. Too Many Pets: In the United States, there is a big problem with too many pets and not enough people to adopt them. This leaves animal shelters overcrowded and overwhelmed. When they have more homeless pets than they can find homes for, they face a tough choice. They have to euthanize pets that are less likely to be adopted to make space for the constant flow of unwanted animals.
2. Limited Resources: Some shelters don't have enough money or staff to provide proper care for all the animals they take in. This includes things like food, medical care, and basic supplies. Hence, they have no choice but to euthanize the animals.
3. Sickness: Diseases can easily spread in animal shelters despite efforts to keep things clean. Because shelters usually have tight budgets, treating every sick animal can be too expensive. They might have veterinarians to help, but sometimes they still have to euthanize pets after considering things like how sick they are, the chances of getting better, how contagious the disease is, treatment cost, treatment duration, and how likely the pet is to be adopted.
4. Aggression: Some animals might be too aggressive to adopt out to the public safely. This could be because they have bitten or attacked people or other animals in the past. Consequently, these shelters chose to euthanize animals for reasons of public safety.
5. Unadoptable: Certain animals might be considered unadoptable because of their age, health, or behavior. They could be too old, too sick, or too hard to train for people to consider adopting them.

It is important to understand that "no-kill" shelters don't solve the problem of euthanizing animals. While they avoid euthanizing animals whenever possible, they often have to turn animals away due to limited space and resources. 

This can lead to those animals being abandoned or left to die elsewhere. To reduce the number of animals euthanized in shelters, the real solution is to tackle the root causes, like promoting spaying and neutering and encouraging responsible pet ownership.

What can we do to stop animal killing in shelters?

You can actively contribute to the prevention of animal euthanasia in shelters by following these suggestions:

1. Adopt, Don't Shop: When you choose to adopt a pet from a shelter, you're not only giving an animal a fresh start but also reducing the strain on overcrowded shelters.
2. Be a Responsible Pet Owner: Taking good care of your pets, including spaying or neutering them, providing proper care and attention, and ensuring they don't become a nuisance, helps prevent animals from ending up in shelters.
3. Intervene Against Cruelty: If you witness any form of animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect, do your best to stop it, but always prioritize your safety. Seek assistance from others if necessary.
4. Report Abuse: If you witness animal cruelty, promptly report it to the police or relevant authorities to prevent further harm.
5. Provide Shelter: You can make a significant impact by rescuing an animal in distress from an abusive situation and offering immediate support to animals in need.
6. Educate Others: Help raise awareness about the importance of intervening when animals are neglected or mistreated. Advocate for the right of animals to live free from fear and pain.
7. Assist Overwhelmed Pet Owners: Some pet owners may genuinely care for their animals but struggle to provide the necessary care. Offer your assistance to improve the animal's well-being.
8. Support No-Kill Shelters: Back shelters that euthanize animals only in extreme circumstances or not at all. Your support can decrease the number of animals euthanized in shelters.
9. Volunteer Locally: Contribute your time and effort by volunteering at your nearby animal shelter. Your assistance can enhance the prospects of animals finding loving homes.
10. Donate to Shelters: Animal shelters often rely on donations to provide care. Your contributions, whether in money, food, or supplies, can greatly aid their mission.
11. Advocate for Animal Welfare: Speak up on behalf of animal welfare issues and back animal-friendly legislation to foster a world where animals are treated with kindness and respect. Your voice matters.

Conclusion

Animal shelters are essential for looking after abandoned or lost animals. But the sad truth is that a lot of shelters have too many animals and not enough resources, so they end up having to put down millions of animals every year. 

While there is no quick fix for this problem, we can all do our part to lower the number of animals that are euthanized in shelters. We can make a difference by adopting pets, volunteering, donating, and speaking up for animal well-being. Together, we can build a world where all animals are cared for with love and understanding.