Fort Wayne Animal Control Faces Criticism Over Euthanasia Policies

Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control has come under fire for its high euthanasia rates, with national animal rights group Best Friends Animal Society pointing out that the shelter accounted for nearly 40% of Indiana’s animal euthanasias last year despite only having about 8% of the state’s total animal intake. The shelter’s director, Amy-Jo Sites, attributed the high euthanasia rates to more breeding and a lack of training for aggressive animals.

Despite efforts to provide resources such as training assistance and low-cost vet care to help owners keep their pets, the shelter’s intake continues to rise. Animal Control euthanized about 32% of the pets it accepted last year, a rate significantly higher than that of larger cities like Indianapolis.

Best Friends Animal Society has a goal for the United States to be no kill by 2025, meaning every shelter in the country reaches a 90% save rate or higher. Animal Control has asked for the community’s help, particularly in fostering kittens, as the shelter has accepted a record-breaking number of them.

The shelter has faced criticism for its high euthanasia rates, with Best Friends highlighting the shelter’s low save rates compared to other shelters in Indiana and across the country. Sites emphasized the need for the community to promote responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering, basic wellness, and proper training.

While the shelter has received funding for a new behavioral center to work with more behavioral cases and decrease euthanasia rates, the lack of space for expansion remains a challenge. Animal Control is seeking solutions to address the root causes of the high euthanasia rates, including behavior issues and irresponsible breeding.

PETA has defended the city, arguing that pushing for no-kill shelters can lead to harmful policies that limit admissions and pet surrenders, resulting in more strays in the community. The organization emphasized the importance of considering the conditions animals are in and their adoptability before making decisions about euthanasia.

Despite the challenges faced by Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control, Sites remains hopeful that with community support and awareness, the shelter can work towards reducing euthanasia rates and finding more homes for animals in need.