Please be advised that this subject matter may be upsetting to readers.
We set about writing this article due to uproar on social media in regards to the euthanization of a German shepherd at the Hernando County Animal Services department recently. Hernando Sun was able to determine that his euthanization was unfortunately within our code of ordinances. The subject, although a difficult one to address, is an issue that should be discussed within the public realm. If there is fault in the ordinance, then the process of changing it can be undertaken. Animal Services has a difficult job to perform, but there are many organizations out there that help keep those euthanization numbers down such as the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, Hernando County SPCA and numerous private rescuers.
The Friends of Hernando County Animal Services, an independent volunteer based facebook group posts updates on many of the dogs and cats brought into the shelter. In the case of the German shepherd in question, a description of the dog was posted on 9/22 at 10:40 pm stating his condition and that he would be property of the shelter on 9/25. When the animal becomes property of the shelter it can be adopted. Several followers of the page expressed interest in adopting this particular dog, but on 9/26 it was reported that he was euthanized. The period between adoptability and euthanization was very short in this case and many grievances were expressed on the facebook thread. We made several attempts to speak with animal services, but were unable to confirm this information or get a better understanding of the issue from them. The post can be found in its entirety here .
The following is taken directly from the post:
“EUTHANIZED FOR SPACE 9/26/2015
D#1028970 German Shep, male, black & tan, adult. This dog was found by a citizen dumped in our parking lot here at HCAS. The dog jumped right in her car. This is a nice boy, a little older. He does have some patchy hair, missing hair in a few places, and overgrown nails-vet staff notified. This dog becomes property of the shelter 9-25-15
Hernando County Animal Services
19450 Oliver Street
Brooksville, FLORIDA 34601
(352) 796-5062
Fax (352) 796-3746”
Our county ordinance in regards to the time frame of adoption and euthanization is as follows, “All dogs which have been impounded and are not suffering from an infectious or contagious disease, or which have not been injured to such an extent that it would cause unnecessary pain or suffering, shall be held for redemption for a minimum of three (3) days including the day said animal was impounded, prior to the animal being adopted or released to an animal rescue organization, and five (5) days, including the day said animal was impounded, prior to the animal being euthanized. A rabies quarantine of the county may cause the impoundment of stray animals to be increased to ten (10) days before adoption, or it may stop the adoption of all dogs and cats until the quarantine is lifted.”
The German shepherd was reported to have been held for 4 days before it was able to be adopted and then given 1 day before he was euthanized. Unfortunately both time periods are completely within our code of ordinances. The 4 day time period met the 3 day minimum requirement in case the previous owner was to claim him. Because they gave that extra day for possible redemption, it left only one day before the dog was eligible to be euthanized.
Over the summer, the shelter had sent out press releases in regards to their dire situation in terms of capacity. “Hernando County Animal Services (HCAS) has recently been inundated with dogs, cats and other animals. The shelter is currently beyond capacity and in crisis mode. Adopters and rescues are needed to help get these animals into loving fur-ever homes. ‘We have 58 dog kennels and we are over our limit by 34 dogs,’ Shannon Finch, shelter coordinator explained…” Where the breakdown was in communication between those interested in adopting the german shepherd and animal services remains unknown. Bringing these issues to light, may clarify how to improve the system and ultimately save more lives.
On a positive note, Animal Services has a useful website for learning about those who are sheltered there (http://www.hernandocounty.us/animal/). It is updated frequently and easy to navigate. There are daily reports of the animals available for adoption at the shelter, as well as adoptions and euthanizations that have taken place. Animals are ranked on their aggression/adoptability.
The euthanization of the German shepherd appears to be an unfortunate event, since many people expressed interest in adopting him. Hopefully, lessons will be learned from this and in the future it will be clearer if a dog is facing euthanization. It is a sad and emotional subject matter that many of us turn away from. Those that volunteer their time are providing critical services to our community, whether they volunteer through the Hernando County Animal Services, SPCA, Humane Society of Nature Coast or other private rescues. As a community, it is important to strive towards the most effective way in reducing those euthanization numbers.
Here are some suggestions if you are interested in adopting a pet through Animal Services. First, go there and inquire about the animal. Many reported to get no response from attempted phone calls about the German shepherd. Second, don’t wait. The lesson learned here is that time is not on the animal’s side. Commit to the animal as soon as possible, if you are serious about adopting it and have determined that the pet is a good fit for your family.