SPOKANE, Wash. -- Concerns about euthanasia policies at SCRAPS are worrying community members, former employees, and some city council members.
Two city council members: Karen Stratton and Michael Cathcart are trying to enact an ordinance to ensure animals at SCRAPS are euthanized only when necessary.
Meanwhile, staff at SCRAPS say euthanasia is always a last resort.
On Wednesday, SCRAPS put down 14 dogs. The shelter claims these dogs were euthanized because they posed a risk to anyone interested in adopting them, staff members at SCRAPS, or other dogs.
However, former employees along with two city council members say more could have been done to keep those dogs alive.
“SCRAPS is not a no-kill shelter. It is now a kill shelter,” claims Kevin Van Hook, a former SCRAPS employee. Van Hook says more can be done for these animals that are euthanized due to aggression.
“There is a person for every dog. Sometimes it does take a little bit longer. We need to be more cautious. But all those dogs were able to be handled by multiple staff members and volunteers,” Van Hook said.
Councilmember Karen Stratton said councilmembers hear these concerns, almost constantly.
“Former volunteers, former employees. We've been hearing from veterinarians probably pretty steadily for the last four or five months on, questions related to SCRAPS and the euthanasia of animals,” Stratton said.
These concerns could create real change, as the ordinance proposed by Stratton and Cathcart would ensure the shelter only euthanizes animals when necessary, and never for space.
“We are steadfast in the euthanasia policy, and we work with other organizations to take some of these animals that are deemed dangerous. We build some partnerships and we don't euthanize those animals just because there's no space for them,” Stratton said.
If the city council finds that the shelter doesn't comply, its contract with the city could end, meaning another agency would need to step in.
SCRAPS shelter managers and county officials confirm it did put down 14 animals on Wednesday.
“The shelter director made the decision to proceed after certification by a licensed veterinarian and a behavioral specialist to proceed with euthanization,” said Patrick Bell, spokesperson for Spokane County.
“Sometimes it is the most humane option for an animal that is either potentially dangerous or has exhibited dangerous behaviors,” said Nick Hobbs-Doyle, SCRAPS shelter operations manager.
On Sunday, a vigil hosted by upset community members will be held at SCRAPS for those fourteen euthanized dogs.
