We frequently receive questions such as “how long do you wait before euthanizing an animal?” or comments like “do not bring an animal to the SPA because they will euthanize him”. We understand that euthanasia is a sensitive topic for many. On the other hand, it is a practice that is indeed part of life at the SPA de l’Estrie.
How many animals are euthanized? Why are they euthanized? Are there other options being considered? These questions are completely legitimate and we wish to answer them in full transparency.
Here is the simplified answer: the SPA de l’Estrie does not euthanize animals if it is not necessary.
Now, let’s explore the more complex aspects of this statement:
First of all, it is false to think that the majority of animals that reside at the SPA de l’Estrie are euthanized. In 2023, only 12% of our residents saw their lives end at the shelter: 10% for major health problems and 2% for behavourial reasons. This means 88%, or 2,980 animals, had the chance to find a new family
But why is the euthanasia rate of 12% and not 0%?
It is important to understand that the SPA de l’Estrie is an open refuge. This means that we can not choose the animals entrusted to us or refuse animals from municipalities that have mandated us to ensure animal management on their territory.
Most euthanized animals have very serious health problems or behaviour problems upon their arrival at the shelter. Sometimes the guardians entrust us with animals because they can no longer take care of them, other times they are found wandering in already dismal states. Animals suffering from incurable diseases, hit by cars or marked by a dark past, we rub shoulders with them on a daily basis. There are also those who will require too much care for the rest of their lives or who represent an excessively high risk of aggression for our employees and the population.
We would like to be able to save them all, but it is unfortunately not possible. We can help the vast majority, but due to a lack of resources or because an animal’s quality of life is compromised, we sometimes have to make decisions reluctantly. 😓
If an animal has no chance of being adopted or living a happy life, whether due to physical or psychological problems, our responsability is to end its suffering. Euthanasia then becomes the most ethical solution. Obviously, these decisions are never easy or taken lightly. We are sensitive humans and we always work with the hope of offering a second chance to everyone.
What comforts us is that we do not practice any non-essential euthanasia. Indeed, for a few years now, no animal from the SPA de l’Estrie has been euthanized because we have too much residents, because they are too old or because they have been at the shelter for too long. 👏
This achievement requires a lot of effort, but we are proud to always do more to offer the best chances of survival to our residents. We are constantly looking for new alternatives to euthanasia.
In the past year, we have implemented an animal socialization program internally and developed a partnership with Le Jardin Des Animaux. We have brought the quality and specialization of veterinary care to an unprecedented level at the SPA de l’Estrie. Initiatives such as farm cat and special needs programs, drop-out scheduling and foster care have also made a huge difference. As a example, we euthanized 180 fewer cats last year than in 2022, a very significant reduction considering that we welcomed more felines in total. And the work is not finished!
All the employees of the SPA de l’Estrie are committed and give body and soul to save as many animals as possible. Our work, it is a true vocation! It is the chance to live happy and extremely rewarding moments, to save lives and to give a voice to those who do not have one. On the other hand, there are also several moments of sadness, frustration and powerlessness, where we are confronted with enormous distress and suffering.
We would always like to do more. That is why, despite our many successes, we will never stop challenging the limits of what is possile and doing what is best for our residents. 💚