Lehigh Valley Humane Society Euthanasia Statement

 The Lehigh Valley Humane Society (LVHS) is committed to the well-being of all animals under our care. Our primary goal is to find loving homes for abandoned, surrendered, abused, and neglected animals. We firmly believe in providing every healthy and adoptable animal with the opportunity to find a forever home. Euthanasia is considered only as an absolute last resort, in cases of severe illness or unmanageable behaviors.

 Given the broad scope of LVHS's responsibilities, spanning animal control, rescue, rehabilitation, and anti-cruelty law enforcement, we often take in at-risk, displaced, or compromised animals. LVHS reluctantly accepts that there are circumstances in which humane euthanasia is a necessary course of action, such as cases of terminal illness or injuries, or dangerous behaviors. When an animal displays irremediable aggression towards humans or other animals, and all attempts at remediation have been exhausted along with all permanent placement options, humane euthanasia of the animal may be necessary. Similarly, if an animal is experiencing a severe medical condition or suffers from a terminal, incurable, or painful disease, wherein a lack of resources prevents LVHS from providing proper treatment or humane quarantine, euthanasia may be the outcome.

 It is vital to note that all euthanasia decisions are made by qualified experts within our organization. Our team includes board-certified veterinarians, who possess the expertise to determine the appropriate course of action in cases of terminal illness. Shelter leadership utilizes consistent and objective documented euthanasia criteria to evaluate animal behaviors that may be dangerous or motivated by fear, anxiety or stress (FAS) and can impact the safety and wellbeing of the animal in question, or the humans or animals around it.

 We are resolute in our stance that under no circumstances will we euthanize a healthy or treatable pet, even upon the owner's request. Our commitment to responsible and ethical animal care guides our every action. End of life decisions are the most difficult decisions made within any animal services organization, and ours is no exception. However, we are committed to following a consistent euthanasia policy for the animals in our care from the perspective of what is in the best interest of the individual animal and the safety of the community.