RISPCA - Humane Euthanasia

Sitemap

Humane Euthanasia
Many people ask why the Rhode Island SPCA euthanizes some of the animals that come to the shelter while other shelters do not. Shelters that do not euthanize animals will often choose who they accept and sometimes screen adoptable animals. The RISPCA has an "open door policy". This policy means that we accept the weak, the strong, the sick, the healthy, the abused, the abandoned and those who never had a chance.

The RISPCA welcomes all. It is not our philosophy to pick and choose the prettiest or trendiest of animals. We feel it is our obligation to make every effort to take in a homeless animal, in hopes that they will find a loving home. We understand the risks of taking in the sick and abandoned, but we also know that the risks in refusing them could be greater.

Many of the animals that come to us are abused, hungry, frightened, aged, diseased, disabled, abandoned or just left at our front door. Because of their past they may need extra care just to get them to trust a human being again.

Regardless of their need, the mission of the RISPCA is to protect, serve and advocate for the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves.

We DO NOT WANT to euthanize any animal. Unfortunately this is impossible for many reasons:

We have limited space for the huge number of abandoned and unwanted animals brought to us.

Animals that are unadoptable due to aggression, have a history of biting, or are deemed to be unsafe in society.

Animals that have been at the shelter for extended periods of time that no one wants to adopt.

Animals that are aged, disabled or chronically ill that no one is willing to adopt.
At the RISPCA we accept any animal regardless of the situation.

Solutions

Prevent overpopulation by spaying and neutering your pets.

Encourage your state government and local officials to support any Spay and Neuter Bill.

Abandonment of any animal is a violation of the law. Try to find a responsible home or bring them to us.

Do not feed stray or wild animals. If you have a concern about a stray or wild animal, call your local animal control officer.
REMEMBER that stray and wild animals can be carriers of RABIES.

Pet ownership requires time, knowledge and commitment. Many pets can live to be 15 years or older. They depend on us for their entire lifetime. They are always there for you so don't betray the trust they have in you. Be responsible and do the right thing for them.

We have all thought of that dreadful moment when is the right time. At least some of us have. This is a sensitive subject that is not meant to offend anyone but to enlighten them.
Often times, I am asked to humanely end an animal's life because of the infirmities of old age. I see up close and personal the anguish, sorrow and tears. Unfortunately for me, each passing of a pet reminds me of the day when I will have to part with my dog, Marvin. What grieves me now is the condition some of these beloved pets are in when they are brought to me. I ask myself how someone could allow their best friend to get in such a deplorable state and tell me they do not want their pet to suffer. To literally describe the condition of some of these pets would be too graphic and disturbing.
A few months ago I had to put my mom and dad's sixteen year old poodle to rest. You can imagine the loss to them, being in their eighties not that being younger makes it any easier. The dog had been failing for months but in their hearts they wanted to wait, in hopes that tomorrow would be a better day. Unfortunately there comes a time when the tomorrows are no longer better days, only the yesterdays were. I often wonder if the time will come when I will not see the suffering or refuse to accept it because I don't want to let go.
Personally, I believe in the quality of life more than life itself but that's just me. What matters to your pet is also the quality of life, not the length of life because they have no concept of the future.
My time with Marvin is not measured in seconds, hours, days or years. It's measured in the times we spend down by the river watching the water cascading over the small waterfall, chasing a tennis ball until either I can't throw it any more or he refuses to bring it back from exhaustion, tracking deer tracks through the snow in hopes of seeing one or just lying out in the pasture on an Indian summer day watching clouds pass by.
The unconditional love, companionship and friendship they give us for years should be rewarded by a peaceful and dignified ending without suffering.There will always be a feeling of guilt for thinking we could have done better or did we make the right decision. Feelings of guilt, indecision and soul searching are what I have come to learn is how most people feel and it is ok. What isn't ok is not letting go because of how you feel and hoping that tomorrow will be a better day.
We all hope that our pets will leave us peacefully in their sleep but that isn't always the way. Many people have said to me "but I think there is still some life left" and there may very well be depending on how you look upon life. It's amazing how two little words, "let go" could have such a big meaning when the time comes for letting go, will you let go? I hope I will for Marvin's sake.
By Dr. E. J. Finocchio
Republished by popular demand. Originally published in "Happy Tails to U" Issue 8 -Winter 2006

Rhode Island SPCA
186 Amaral Street
Riverside, RI 02915-2223
Phone: 401-438-8150
Fax: 401-438-8154
Email: info@rispca.com