Misconception: Animal Humane Society euthanizes healthy animals, yet still brings in animals from out-of-state

Misconception: Animal Humane Society euthanizes healthy animals, yet still brings in animals from out-of-state.

Truth:  Animal Humane Society has not euthanized a healthy dog since 2007, when it came under its current leadership, which is the only species of animal it regularly transports in from other states.

Since that time it has worked diligently to solve the cat crisis it faces every year. Of the historically 33,000 animals it took in each year, 20,000 of them were cats.

Now, because of its incredible effort to reduce euthanasia in its shelters, from January 1 to November 30, 2011, it has only euthanized five healthy cats. These euthanasias were not easy and came as a result because despite Animal Humane Society's best effort to find placement, there were no placement options available in the community, with its foster volunteers or animal rescue partners.  

If dogs are the only species of animal it regularly takes in from other states, why doesn’t AHS focus on Minnesota dogs first before taking them in?
Dogs in Minnesota are Animal Humane Society’s first priority. In 2010, it took in 11,142 canines, 7,653 of which were brought to its shelters by their owners, as stray animals, or through the work of AHS humane agents. Fortunately, due to its visibility, its incredible adoption rates and the demand for adoptable dogs in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, Animal Humane Society is in a position where it can assist other animal welfare organizations with the dogs in their care.

Animal Humane Society turns to and responds to calls for assistance from Minnesota organizations first. In fact, in 2010, Animal Humane Society brought in more than 600 dogs from 35 Minnesota animal welfare groups.

In addition, it responded to calls for assistance from other states as close as Iowa and all the way to Georgia. On average, it takes in 4,000 dogs from other states each year.

If you’re a local rescue group or sheltering agency that would like to partner with Animal Humane Society to put Minnesota animals first, please send a note via the form on the left and you’ll be contacted to discuss starting a relationship that will help to save more Minnesota animals. 

What about animals coming in from other states that don’t meet your requirements for adoption?
As Animal Humane Society establishes relationships with out-of-state transport groups, it shares with each what criteria the dogs have to meet to be placed in its shelters. Because of this proactive discussion, the majority of animals that come into its care from other states are adopted into new homes.

When they arrive, each animal is given the same medical and behavioral evaluation provided all animals that come into Animal Humane Society’s care; however, transport animals are provided at least 24 hours to get settled and comfortable before any behavioral evaluations. In addition, there are opportunities for re-evaluations and, if needed, behavior modification program enrollment.

Unfortunately, there are still some transport dogs that Animal Humane Society is not able to place for adoption—but that does not mean they will be euthanized nor does it mean that Animal Humane Society expects other Minnesota animal welfare organizations to take in the animals. Many transport groups take back animals not placeable at Animal Humane Society for placement with other animal welfare organizations on the transport groups’ route around the country.

Georgia Puppy Pipeline, a transport group that regularly brings animals to Animal Humane Society, noted that through October 30, 2011, it has brought 799 dogs to Animal Humane Society. Of that number only 30 dogs were returned to the group, which then turned to two other Minnesota rescue groups to place 12 of the dogs. The remaining dogs were placed with other animal welfare organizations on the group's route and in Georgia.