State lawmaker expresses concern over potential increase in pet euthanasia at shelters post-pandemic.
Illinois Senate Bill 3791, introduced by state Sen. Mike Simmons, D-Chicago, aims to prohibit the euthanasia of dogs and cats in the state. Animal shelter groups argue that this legislation could have negative consequences for both animals and taxpayers.
According to Lauren Malmberg from the Illinois Animal Control Association, the proposed legislation would result in increased costs for everyone. Animal control services rely on taxpayer funding to support various programs, and the changes in the legislation would directly affect shelters. As a result, even donors may end up having to contribute more towards these services.
Malmberg argues that prioritizing the preservation of individual animals over the collective well-being of as many animals as possible can lead to inefficient allocation of resources. Instead of spending a significant amount of money on one animal, it would be more beneficial to utilize those funds to save multiple animals, regardless of the source of funding.
Simmons’ drafted bill explicitly prohibits shelters from euthanizing cats and dogs. However, since animal control services transfer pets to shelters, the legislation indirectly affects animal control facilities statewide.
Malmberg pointed out that if those facilities are not euthanized after July 1, it would result in them being full and unable to accept any more transfers.
During her 40-year career, Malmberg has dedicated herself to the welfare of animals. When she first started, the number of dogs and cats being euthanized was estimated to be around 18-20 million. However, thanks to the efforts of individuals like Malmberg, this number has significantly decreased. In fact, in Illinois alone, the intake data reveals an impressive live-release rate of 94% to 96%. This means that less than 10% of dogs and cats entering shelters in Illinois are being euthanized.
Getting pets adopted has always been a challenge for animal welfare, according to Malmberg.
Malmberg emphasized that the current situation is not something new for them. They have been experiencing an increase in animal intake even before the pandemic. This issue is not exclusive to their organization; it is a global concern. Efforts to encourage adoption and responsible pet care, such as affordable spaying and neutering, have been ongoing worldwide.
Simmons expressed his concern about individuals bringing their pets to the shelter after the pandemic.
According to Simmons, there will be situations where pet parents and caretakers may believe that euthanasia is the most compassionate option. However, the legislation does not aim to eliminate that choice. The main goal is to address the issue of healthy pets in need of a home, who are unfortunately not being kept alive without a valid reason. The focus is on finding viable solutions to this problem.
Animal control agencies and shelters must have the ability to euthanize animals as it serves as an important tool in their operations, according to Malmberg.
According to Malmberg, having euthanasia as an option is crucial. He believes that animals who are chronically ill, injured, sick, suffering, aggressive, or mentally distressed due to abuse or improper environment should be allowed to be euthanized if it is in their best interest. Malmberg emphasizes that eliminating euthanasia completely would not be beneficial for anyone involved.
According to Simmons, the law aims to preserve the choice for pet owners to euthanize their pets if they are experiencing suffering and euthanasia is considered the most compassionate choice.
According to the bill, starting from July 1, 2024, no animal shelter will be permitted to euthanize any returned or found dog, cat, or other domesticated animal.
According to Malmberg, the group had a meeting with Simmons after the legislation was drafted. However, the Animal Control Association and the Illinois Animal Welfare Federation were not consulted before the bill was introduced.
Malmberg expressed appreciation for Senator Simmons’ concern for animals, but expressed concern that a broad prohibition like this would not be helpful and could lead to unintended consequences.
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