The Future of Dogs in an Animal Rights America
by Walt Hutchens



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But...What's the Problem?

One possibility is that there is no problem in the community. In a number of localities a combination of favorable demographics, long-time educational programs, and other factors allows shelters to truthfully say "We do not euthanize adoptable animals."

When that claim is made, one might want to check the criteria for adoptablity as they are sometimes manipulated to make the shelter look better. For example: In addition to obvious criteria, dogs that are black and over 40 pounds; over three years apparent age; of any 'bull' breed or one of a long list of protective breeds; or that react in any way other than by withdrawing to being poked repeatedly with a broomstick may be considered 'unadoptable' and euthanized.

Shelters are not always candid about their criteria. One should compare the stated criteria to the unadoptable/total intake fraction. If euthanasias are high (say much above 4% of pet population) and the fraction is very high, obtaining data by individual categories may be necessary and shelters may have to be asked to collect it.

Usually there are individuals in the community (former shelter employees and pet rescuers are the most common) who know if the 'unadoptable' category is being abused. Such reports cannot be depended on by themselves but if abuse is reported, the 'unadoptable' fraction seems high, and supporting data are unavailable or unconvincing, further investigation of shelter policies is warranted.