The Municipal Animal Services has responded to a concerns about a dog who was euthanized.
On January 12, 2019, Today’s Northumberland reported a person who had contact with the dog said it wasn’t aggressive and said it was a “sweet” dog.
“I hand fed him treats out of my hand and he would lick them so carefully,” said the person.
Sherry Gibson who is Chair of the Municipal Animal Services for Cobourg, Port Hope, Alnwick/Haldimand Township and Hamilton Township said, “it was determined to be in the best interest of the dog and the public,” at the time but didn’t give specific reasons.
On Monday, January 14, 2019, Gibson said the dog never did bite anyone, but added, “given the dog’s disposition, staff and veterinary personnel were very careful when engaging so were able to avoid any bites.”
“Ultimately, with the inability to physically touch the dog, along with the displays of aggression with any type of handling, the risk of injury was simply too great,” said Gibson in an e-mail to Today’s Northumberland.
Below is a full statement from Gibson on behalf of the Municipal Animal Services.
It was with regret that on December 18, 2018, Municipal Animal Services (MAS) made the decision to euthanize a dog in our care, following several weeks of unsuccessful rehabilitation efforts towards the goal of adoption.
‘Loki’ came to Municipal Animal Services on November 13; he is believed to have been running wild from a young age. Loki demonstrated fearful behavior when first introduced to staff, however staff was hopeful that he could be rehabilitated and adopted.
In order to support Loki in overcoming his fears, a rehabilitation plan was put in place that involved introduction to other animals, and a staff member was making arrangements to bring him home to get him used to household life with people and animals, once he had made sufficient progress.
Unfortunately, even after a month of staff working dedicatedly with Loki, while he would occasionally accept treats and be briefly touched, he continued to be fearful of humans. This was leading to new aggressive behaviours, including growling and lunging at staff and veterinary partners attempting to examine him.
On December 18, following consultation with a veterinary partner with behavioural expertise, staff and medical professionals agreed that Loki was not likely to overcome his fear of interaction with humans, and would continue to pose too great a risk of aggression to be put up for adoption. Euthanasia was recommended, and carried out.
On January 7th, 2019, the Animal Health and Welfare Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs concluded its most recent review of the pound’s maintenance, records management and animal care practices – including practices related to the euthanization of animals. The Ministry specifically reviewed euthanasia practices followed in this case, and confirmed the facility was in complete compliance with provincial guidelines. Additionally, it was found to meet all Ministry requirements, and no deficiencies in any practices or accommodations were identified.
This was certainly a heartbreaking scenario for our dedicated staff, who have great affection for the animals in their care and work closely with them to achieve adoption. Adoption is always the desired outcome for any animal that comes into MAS care. Indeed, since its inception in 2003, MAS has found new homes for hundreds of cats and dogs, giving these animals a second opportunity at life where there was once no other option in Northumberland.
Most animals that come to MAS are ideal candidates for adoption, however some do suffer from long-term health challenges resulting from abuse or homelessness, and while our staff are diligent in their approach, at times these challenges cannot be overcome. The overall health and well-being of each animal, and the safety of adopting families, will always be our foremost consideration in ultimately releasing an animal from our care.
Original story
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
