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The Cambridge and District Humane Society’s Position Statement

Euthanasia of Companion Animals at the Cambridge and District Humane Society

An important part of the Cambridge and District Humane Society Mission is to provide a safe haven for all companion animals in need. The Cambridge and District Humane Society accepts that euthanasia is considered necessary when an animal is injured or ill – with no reasonable chance of recovery or whose needs are greater than our resources, animals that are aggressive/overly dominant or have an unstable temperament (as observed in the shelter) or behavior issues that we do not have the resources to resolve.

We do not euthanize animals because they have been here too long or solely based on space constraints. No healthy, adoptable animal is ever euthanized.

While the decision to euthanize is made solely at the discretion of three or more of our trained and experienced staff, this responsibility is not taken lightly. We do not euthanize animals because they have been here too long or solely based on space constraints. No healthy, adoptable animal is ever euthanized.

The Cambridge and District Humane Society supports the use of only the most humane methods of euthanasia available, and that those methods are performed only by veterinary trained personnel, assuring minimal discomfort, fear or anxiety.

The Cambridge and District Humane Society believes that responsible ownership of companion animals, especially through training, spaying/neutering and proper identification reduces the necessity of euthanasia.