Behavioral Euthanasia

behavioral euthanasia:

the stigmatized, but very real loss.

So, what exactly is Behavioral Euthanasia?

According to Kate LaSala, professional dog trainer and behavior consultant, “Behavioral euthanasia is the humane ending of an animal’s life because the animal is suffering from severe behavioral issues, including aggression, fears, or anxiety. It is a difficult decision for any guardian to make, but it is sometimes the best option for both the animal and the family. It is not a decision made out of convenience, and it doesn’t necessarily mean the animal has mauled someone, or police or medical providers have been involved. Opting to euthanize an animal that has seriously injured or killed a person or animal seems reasonable to many people, but often behavioral euthanasia is done before there is serious harm. The decision about behavioral euthanasia is about risk assessment and quality of life, for both the animal and the humans.”

I'll be the first one to admit that I tend to tiptoe around behavioral euthanasia conversations. I don't do well in the uncomfortable zone. But, the longer I am in the rescue world, the more apparent it has become to me that this cannot be a taboo topic. I am not a behavioral expert, so I've left the advice to the professionals listed below. What I can tell you is that facing behavioral euthanasia does not mean you failed as a pet owner, or that you do not love your pet. You can love a pet AND still be unable to live together safely. These statements can co-exist.

I am only scratching the surface when I say that there are many factors to take into account with behavioral euthanasia (BE)... the severity/consequences of the risk, the environment in which the pet is living, and one's available resources - mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially - to work with the pet (that's if it is even a workable situation). The reality is, these are privileges not everyone has access to. This is not meant to be judgy or shaming- we all have a right to honor our limitations and set boundaries.

When it comes to BE, each case has unique and complex circumstances, and while changing the pet's environment is sometimes a solution, it's not as logistically possible a fix as it sounds. Other times, depending on the triggers (or lack thereof), the risk may be too great to rehome responsibly. Public safety has to come first.

A dog who is triggered by loud noises and quick movements may never be compatible in an active household with young children. And honestly, it is not fair for that dog to live in an environment where it is flooded with triggers - we are setting it up to fail. That same dog, however, may thrive in a calmer home without children, or with older children, where its triggers can be minimized.

But here's the tricky part: Even when we know a pet would be more successful in an alternative placement, the reality is that, with thousands of pets in need of homes, finding that needle-in-a-haystack home is not easy. On top of that, most shelters will not accept pets that pose a certain level of risk into their adoption programs. Unfortunately, that magical sanctuary that houses every hard-to-place animal doesn't exist outside of fairy tales. Patricia McConnell put it best when she said, "there simply aren’t enough people out there who are willing and able to take on an aggressive dog, and the number of dogs who need a new home far, far out number the homes available to them."

So, hard decisions need to be made when no other options exist, and sometimes humane euthanasia is the kindest - and only - thing that can be done.

BE is a heartbreaking decision AND a valid loss. By nature, when a loss occurs due to a behavioral, rather than a concrete medical condition, it can be uniquely hard to process and tends to involve a lot of self-doubt and second-guessing. It doesn't mean your relationship was any less loving.

You need to know that support is available throughout the process, from contemplation to grief after the loss. Start by contacting a certified behaviorist or veterinarian you trust and put your challenges on the metaphorical exam table. I guarantee you're not the first person to bring this up. Consults are not reserved for medical concerns; they just feel safer.

We need to start the conversation for ourselves, and for the people and pets we love.

Below are my most loved resources from professionals who provide behavioral euthanasia/re-homing consultations to support groups, articles, videos/audio, and personal accounts from those who have gone through it.

If you believe your pet may safely thrive in an environment different from the one you can offer, please refer to rehoming resources and consult with a professional who can assess your specific circumstances.

Losing Lulu

This is the gold standard, in my opinion, for everything Behavioral Euthanasia. Losing Lulu has incredible resources and a community support platform.

- Facebook-based support group

- Touching personal stories (every single one feels like a must-read) from loving pet owners who have experienced this devastating loss, along with professional perspectives.

Losing Lulu also offers a free course to help people who are considering BE.

Making The Decision For Families is a free, short online course to help families who are faced with making the decision to euthanize a beloved animal family member or friend in order to alleviate the suffering caused by a behaviour problem. It can help you to better understand how people navigate the difficult situation of living with an animal with profound behaviour problems, when behavioural euthanasia is considered.

articles.

Discussing Behavioral Euthanasia

When Is It Time To Put Down a Dog Who Is Aggressive to People?

Euthanizing an Aggressive Dog and Dealing with the Guilt: How to Move Forward

Behavioral Euthanasia Before the Bite

Behavioral Euthanasia – The heartwrenching decision to euthanize a pet for behavioral reasons

Euthanizing Aggressive Dogs: Sometimes It's the Best Choice

The Dog Sanctuary Myth

audio.

A Conversation with Canine Behavior Consultant Kate LaSala on Behavioral Euthanasia

The Pet Loss Companion