When “Animal Shelter” Becomes an Oxymoron

This is the story about a dog who died a needless death at the hands of an out-of-control killing facility known as the New York City Animal Care and Control (NYACC). Just the name “animal care” is an oxymoron. Run my Risa Weinstock, CEO, this shelter may not have one of the highest kill rates in the country, but when it chooses to kill, it doesn’t discriminate between healthy dogs, seniors, and medically challenged. But the euthanasia taking place in this specific case violated not only the stray hold law, but the law of morality.

Little Leona was 19-year old, blind, deaf French poodle mix dog who mistakenly wandered out of her home. She was picked up by someone who dropped her off to NYCACC. She was posted by the facility, but before the owners could arrive to claim her three hours later, she had been euthanized. According to law, there is a three-day stray hold, which NYCACC violated on the ground the dog was “suffering,” which allows euthanasia.

According to NYCACC’s response to the owner’s outrage and planned protest on Saturday, they claim this:

Leona was an approximately 15-year-old dog who presented to Animal Care Centers of New York City on March 12th, 2023, after being found in the middle of the road off of Grand Central Parkway and Smedley Street in Queens. She had no identification, no dog license and was not microchipped. Upon intake, Leona was seen spinning in circles and was wobbly when walking. A comprehensive physical exam was done by a veterinarian indicating that she was in a very debilitated state and suffering from progressive neurologic symptoms. She was minimally aware of her surroundings, non-reactive to stimuli, weak and unable to stand for more than a few minutes before falling. She was emaciated with a body condition of 2/9 indicating possible chronic illness.

The doctors at ACC do not take euthanasia lightly. It is their job to direct a course that is in the best interest of the animal. In Leona’s case, given her present state and in addition to all the other chronic, debilitating conditions she had (heart disease, blind, deaf, and severe dental issues) the doctors believed her to be suffering.

For dogs with serious medical conditions and especially those stemming from extreme old age who are in pain and suffering, it is the duty of veterinary staff to provide peaceful end of life care. This decision is not made lightly but is always made in the best interest of the pet. In these cases, if a pet has been lost or abandoned, we scan for identification that ideally will lead us back to an owner before any end-of-life decision is made. However, if there is no information at all from a microchip or any other identification, we must make the decision on our own within the most humane timeframe. Euthanasia of stray animals is regulated by New York State Agriculture and Markets Law:

The owners dispute that the pup was “emaciated” and several of their photos of the pup clearly show that she was well-taken care of.

But Leona is not the only senior dog to die because it was “suffering.” Here’s another example of NYCACC’s trigger happy kill-zone.

But lest you think the kill-zone is only limited to aged and sickly-looking dogs, meet the once late and great Velvet. A happy, playful girl who was abandoned by her family and looking for a new family. Dead. And God forbid, some dogs were adopted and returned. That’s a guaranteed spot on the euthanasia list.

In so many of these cases where dogs are surrendered to NYCACC, or else captured as strays, the staff has either been once caring individuals hardened by the constant stream of unwanted dogs that they’ve become robotic in their handling of them, or it’s just a job, another number, another tick on the clipboard, just let me know when it’s time for lunch/vacation.

NYCACC is a prime example of what’s wrong with our municipal and county shelters. Overwhelmed with unwanted dogs, it’s much easier to simply kill them after “x” days, rather than enlist professional marketing efforts, including photographers to help these dogs find new homes. Oh, shelters will tell you that it’s the taxpayers and city/county who dictate the budget and their hands are tied. Baloney. Private shelters, no-kill shelters are light years ahead of handling stray and unwanted animals. And they operate on smaller budget and staff.

If anyone is at the point where they must give up their dog, willingly or involuntarily, please seek out a no-kill shelter. Because to surrender your dog to any city/county shelter, you’re signing your dog’s death sentence.