Questions Surround Why Dog Was Euthanized
There seems to be more questions than answers after a dog was euthanized at the Municipal Animal Services in Hamilton Township.
It’s believed the dog was brought into the animal services in October, but there isn’t much information being released concerning why the dog was put down.
A person contacted Today’s Northumberland stating a photo of the dog have been on the Municipal Animal Services website, but has since been taken down.
The date the dog was euthanised and the reason for it are still unknown.
A e-mail sent to Manager Elizabeth McKinlay was forwarded on to Alnwick/Haldimand Councillor Sherry Gibson who is the Chair of the Joint Animal Control Board (Municipal Animal Services) who confirmed the dog was euthanized.
“The board has developed a flow chart that shelter staff are required to follow to determine the care that dogs and cats in our facility receive,” stated Gibson in an e-mail to Today’s Northumberland.
“This is always with the optimum goal of adoption. Only after all else has been exhausted, and in consultation with our shelter veterinarian Dr. Chris Young, does an animal receive humane euthanasia.”
“In this case, it was determined to be in the best interest of the dog and the public (and with the heavy hearts of shelter staff), to euthanize.”
But Gibson has refused to state the reason why the dog was killed.
One person who had direct contact with the dog said it wasn’t aggressive.
“He was so sweet. I hand fed him treats out of my hand and he would lick them so carefully,” said the person who asked not to be named.
The stray dog was live-trapped by a farmer and brought to the Municipal Animal Services on Theatre Road in Hamilton Township.
“I totally understand putting down dogs that are vicious if they are going to actually hurt somebody. Obviously you can’t adopt it out and have the liability of that. I’m not naive to that.”
Showing no signs of aggression the person asked, “what happened to the rescue possibilities?”
Referring to rescue agencies for dogs.
During Christmas the mischievous dog would sometimes break out of his cage and play with the presents underneath the Christmas tree.
“They don’t have to answer to anyone when it comes to animal care,” said the person.
The only governing body is the Joint Animal Control Board, but, “they talk about money or finances. They don’t talk about this dog or that animal. There is no case specific follow-up.”
With money funding the facility from various townships including Cobourg, “there needs to be more accountability.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love