Ontario dog shooting case highlights problems with irresponsible pet ownership
Thursday, May 26, 2011The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) is deeply concerned about a recent incident where a man allegedly killed several dogs by gunshot.
A 25-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty and firearms offences, after four dogs were found dead in his Clarington, Ontario, home on May 22. Citing the death of his young puppy from parvovirus, a contagious and often fatal illness in animals, the man says he shot the four dogs in an act of euthanasia and to prevent his other animals from obtaining the virus. Claiming that vet bills were becoming astronomical, and without the guarantee of the pets’ improvement if treated, the man says he took the veterinarian’s advice that the animals should be euthanized, though admits that he was not advised to do it on his own.
Two of the shot dogs were pregnant. An adult husky and eleven puppies were seized from the same owner by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA).
The CFHS stresses the importance of responsible pet ownership, which includes keeping only as many pets as the owner can financially and practically provide care for, ensuring their welfare, and providing for a humane death when euthanasia is necessary. It recognizes that pets are living creatures with important needs, not objects to be casually acquired or disposed of.
The CFHS supports the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) position on euthanasia of dogs by gunshot, which states that this method is “conditionally acceptable only in rare circumstances in remote areas or emergency situations when veterinary or animal control services are not accessible. Gunshot is not intended to be used routinely and should never be used when other preferred methods are available and practical.”
In concert with humane organizations and veterinary associations across North America, the CFHS considers euthanasia by injection of sodium pentobarbital to be the preferred method. The CFHS acknowledges that many animal shelters are unable to use this controlled substance for reasons of limited financial resources and lack of access to drugs or to veterinarians. There are other methods that are acceptable when performed according to strict standards and protocols. No matter what method is used, euthanasia must only be performed by properly trained personnel.
The CFHS promotes the humane treatment of all animals and supports our member societies and other like-minded organizations that are committed to this goal. We play a critical role in working towards improved legislation, regulations and standards for the care and humane treatment of animals. Our positions statements on euthanasia and other animal welfare issues can be viewed at: http://cfhs.ca/info/position_statements/
