Euthanasia Policy

Animals that are deemed to pose an unacceptable danger to other animals, themselves, or the public are candidates for euthanasia. Animals that are suffering mentally, emotionally or physically also may be candidates for euthanasia.

The approval process for any euthanasia at HSMC incorporates the expert opinion and authorization of multiple trained staff members, a licensed Veterinarian and the Executive Director.

Each animal surrendered to HSMC will be evaluated upon intake. Pets placed in the organization’s adoption program will continuously be evaluated for medical and behavioral considerations.

Evaluations are intended to identify:

• Animals who are suffering mentally, emotionally or physically.
• Animals with a poor prognosis, protracted painful recovery, incurable illness, and/or are non-responsive to treatment or who suffer from an affliction in which treatment is not reasonably available.
• Animals that are deemed to pose an unacceptable danger to other animals, themselves or the public.

If the animal poses an immediate or serious danger to animals and/or people, alternative options will not be considered.

HSMC must operate in compliance with local animal ordinances, specifically the Dangerous Animal Ordinance in the City of Wausau where the shelter is located. An animal that has been declared Dangerous or Prohibited Dangerous within the City of Wausau or by a different jurisdiction may be a candidate for euthanasia.

HSMC will seek alternative placement options when available to avoid euthanasia such as transfer to another facility/rescue or placement in our Barn Cat Program (for feral cats).

Euthanasia may occur due to the following:

• An animal has a deteriorating medical or behavioral condition that is causing suffering.
• An animal has presented behaviors which are beyond management that has deemed them unsafe to other pets, people or themselves. In these cases, HSMC relies on the BARC behavioral test and/or consultation with a professional trainer.
• History of two or more bites to a person; reference HSMC Dangerous Animal policy. (Animals with a history of one bite will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into account the severity of the bite and whether provoked or unprovoked, as well as the jurisdiction in which it occurred. HSMC will also evaluate and consider the animal’s disposition in the shelter setting.)

Medically Necessitated Euthanasia

Animals that are suffering from a disease, injury, or congenital or hereditary condition that adversely affects the animal’s health or is likely to adversely affect the animal’s health in the future, and are not likely to become “healthy” or “treatable” even if provided the care typically given to pets by reasonable and caring pet owners/guardians in the community.

Behaviorally Necessitated Euthanasia

Animals who have or who develop a behavioral or temperamental characteristic that poses a health or safety risk or otherwise makes the animal unsuitable for placement as a pet, and are not likely to become “healthy” or “treatable” even if provided the care typically given to pets by reasonable and caring pet owners/guardians in the community.