We recognise that the subject of euthanasia is an emotional, and at times, extremely difficult subject. In line with our values we also recognise that the subject requires open and honest discussion to maintain transparency and objectivity.

At Hope Rescue we are largely non selective about the dogs who come into our care and we commit to take in all unclaimed stray dogs from across seven local authorities in Wales. This means we care for a high number of dogs with complex behavioural and medical needs.

Hope Rescue will never euthanise a healthy, adoptable dog. Any decision to euthanise an animal shall be made on a case-by-case basis with the welfare and quality of life of the individual dog the primary consideration. We have a responsibility to ensure the safety of our staff, adopters and other animals and therefore will not adopt a dog who has been assessed as posing a high risk to people or other animals, where this risk cannot be mitigated with reasonable measures.

At Hope Rescue we do not feel that lifetime kennelling at the rescue centre is a suitable welfare outcome and therefore dogs in our care must have the prospect of a successful adoption. Situations in which euthanasia will be considered are:

• The dog is assessed as exhibiting behaviour which puts them or other dogs at risk and we are unable to reduce this risk to an acceptable level.
• The dog is assessed as posing a likely risk to members of the public and these risks are unable to be safely managed in a real-world situation and/or we are unable to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
• The dog has severe and/or untreatable distress to their mental health, such as severe anxiety or self-harm.
• The dog has a chronic medical condition that is unable to be managed in a home environment with medication and/or the dog is unable to enjoy a good quality of life.
• The dog is unable to safely receive veterinary care.
• The dog has an infectious disease which poses a serious health risk to other animal and/or staff with no viable treatment and/or quarantine options.
• The dog is deemed to be an illegal type under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 so it would be against the law for them to be adopted.

Reaching a decision;

In order to reach a decision as to whether an animal should be euthanised a number of processes and steps are taken to ensure the decision is objective, balanced and within the stated criteria. This will involve detailed discussions between key members of the team including our vet, welfare management team, behaviour team and the dog’s primary carers.

When making a determination a range of available options should be considered if in the dog’s best interest including:

• Potential for rehabilitation and behaviour modification programme.
• Suitability and likelihood of placement at an approved specialist rescue.
• Potential for palliative care foster placement (for dogs who have life limiting conditions but a good quality of life).

Given the sensitivity of euthanasia and our requirement to maintain transparency and objectivity, the euthanasia of any animal must be formally approved by the Head of Operations following consultation with other key staff members as above.

How euthanasia is carried out;

Euthanasia must only be carried out by a qualified veterinary surgeon. Every effort will be made to ensure compassionate care and to minimise stress for the dog, providing a peaceful and dignified transition in a supportive environment. This will include the use of pre-euthanasia sedation, and unless in extenuating circumstances should be carried out away from the kennel and the vet room, in an area the dog is comfortable such as paddock.

Any decision to euthanise and the reasons for the decision, including consideration of options, must be recorded on the animal’s record. All euthanasia figures will be reported to the Board of Trustees and disclosed in our Annual Report for transparency. A copy of our euthanasia policy can be found here.

It should be noted that as well adopting dogs directly from ourselves, Hope Rescue also works with other reputable rescues and regularly places dogs with them. These are primarily large rescues that do not have a non-destruct policy and each have their own euthanasia policy.