Humane Euthanasia Policy

to Annexure G

THERE ARE NO “DEATH ROWS” AT THE SPCA.

THE SPCA’S PERSPECTIVE ON EUTHANASIA

From the Greek: • eu = “well”, thanosos = “death”

Meaning the act of causing death painlessly/ an easy and painless death.

The SPCA movement’s Statement of Policy “is opposed to the euthanasia of fit and healthy animals but accepts the reality that humane destruction is necessary. Euthanasia must be carried out by qualified personnel using approved and humane methods and with the greatest compassion.” 

The number of animals admitted to SPCAs, especially because of uncontrolled breeding, means that euthanasia will continue to be an unavoidable responsibility. There are not enough suitable, responsible homes available.

Euthanasia is generally accepted as a means to end suffering. The SPCA definition of suffering includes lifelong incarceration, lack of bonding with humans or its own kind, compromising any of the “five freedoms” including the freedom to express natural behaviour, plus mental suffering which includes but is not limited to kennel or “captivity” stress.

The sad reality is that “any port in a storm” is not an option. Finding someone to take an animal to avoid euthanasing it is irresponsible. The SPCA permits adoptions to a permanent home. This is often misconstrued as the SPCA not permitting adoptions outside their area of operation. A recent example was when an SPCA declined an adoption application not because it was out of town but because the person offered to take two Pekingese dogs to put them out on her plot until she could find homes for them.

People are misguided when they state they wish to take an animal based on an image or an emotional (some would say pressurised) appeal, especially if they are told or have been led to believe that euthanasia might be imminent. People need to meet the animal and to take into careful consideration all aspects of what has to be a commitment and responsibility for the rest of the dog’s life.

Keeping animals for an indefinite period is inhumane. Over and above the confinement is the fact that dogs in particular need interaction and bonding with people. Dogs showing signs of what is known as kennel stress can develop behavioral problems which may never be overcome; rendering the animal even less likely to be “adoptable” or to settle into a home.