A survey by AVC researchers to determine methods of euthanasia used in Canadian animal shelters and to identify whether they are likely to be associated with animal welfare issues was published recently in the Canadian Veterinary Journal. The study was funded by the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at AVC and conducted by Niamh Caffrey (PhD student at AVC), Dr. Aboubakar Mounchili (formerly CVER at AVC, now Public Health Agency of Canada), Dr. Sandra McConkey (AVC’s Department of Biomedical Sciences), and Dr. Michael Cockram (Chair in Animal Welfare, Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at AVC).

“The results of the research show that most shelters use an appropriate method for euthanasia. However, some shelters that conduct euthanasia without the services of a veterinarian have more limited options. Further study on euthanasia practices would be beneficial,” says Dr. Cockram. “The survey respondents also identified a requirement for more staff training and counselling services.”