The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) thanks the St. Albert Gazette for regularly printing fantastic stories that include the EHS, and for helping to promote events held at the society's shelter which is close to St. Albert. Unfortunately, this particular article may seriously mislead the public.
The article states the society admitted 12,824 animals in 2012 and adopted 7,671 and that “some, but not all” of the remaining 5,153 animals were euthanized. The EHS wants to emphasize that humane euthanasia is just one of several outcomes for the remaining animals. The figure also includes animals who were strays returned to their owners after being admitted, transferred to other organizations for various reasons, died in the society's care due to illness, or euthanized at the request of the owners who surrendered their pet. The EHS turns to humane euthanasia only when an animal is suffering from an illness that the EHS is not able to treat or when it has behavioral concerns that are not within the EHS resources, making the animal a risk for public safety.
The EHS does not euthanize to make room for other animals as some people may conclude from reading this article. There is no time limit for animals on the adoption floor. An animal will stay available for adoption until it finds a home as long as it remains medically and behaviorally healthy. In 2012 the EHS actually humanely euthanized 3,654 animals that could not be rehabilitated. Those were animals with severe aggression or were feral, had diseases such as parvo (dogs) or distemper (cats), or were among a few hundred animals involved in hoarding cases that were extremely ill due to horrible living conditions. The decision to humanely euthanize an animal in the care of EHS is taken seriously and is determined in the best interest of each animal. The evaluation is based on what the animal's quality of life may be and how it may interact in the community. The EHS is open about its euthanasia policy. If anyone ever has any questions or concerns, the EHS urges them to contact the organization directly at [email protected].
It is unfortunate that a feature report on the EHS printed to accompany such a lovely photo essay about the EHS did not focus on the efforts that the society makes daily to rehabilitate animals in need who come through its doors or the services provided to help people be responsible pet owners. A complete list of pet behavior resources that the EHS offers to the public are outlined on the Society's website at www.edmontonhumanesociety.com or by calling 780-471-1774.
Shawna Randolph, Edmonton Humane Society spokesperson
