Euthanasia Policy

The euthanasia of domestic dogs and cats is an unfortunate, but essential responsibility of the City of Huntsville Animal Services Department.  The necessity of euthanasia of domestic animals is mandated by the excessive supply of domestic animals and the lack of demand by available and appropriate homes in the Southeastern region of the United States. 

This job becomes the responsibility of our department due to our mission of providing public safety concerning human and domestic animal interactions and assuring the humane care of domestic animals.  Our department understands and appreciates that the euthanasia of domestic dogs and cats is a psychological and emotional trauma for both our staff and the general public. 

Euthanasia decisions are based on the following specific animal criteria:  General health, age, breed type, adult size, healthcare history, and behavior assessments.  Euthanasia decisions are based on the following environmental criteria:  Ownership, intake date, herd health management, and shelter population.  The Animal Services Department will consider alternative measure within departmental policies to avoid or delay the decision of euthanasia when operationally feasible.

The City of Huntsville Animal Services believes that preventative birth measures through sterilization (spaying and neutering), domestic animal ownership responsibility, and public awareness regarding the severe overpopulation of domestic animals are key components in resolving the euthanasia of domestic animals.