Euthanasia Rates Research Articles

Cross-Sectional Study of Characteristics of Owners and Nonowners Surrendering Cats to Four Australian Animal Shelters

Unwanted cats surrendered to nonhuman animal shelters are generally categorized as either “owned” or “stray.” This classification is misleading because “stray” cats may include many “semiowned” cats, for which people provide care but who are not perceived as being owned. This differentiation is important because effective strategies designed to reduce cat admissions to, and euthanasia rates in, shelters rely on accurate information about cat populations contributing to shelter intake; cat semiowners will likely respond to different strategies than people with no relationship with the cats they surrender. People surrendering cats to four Australian animal shelters were surveyed to identify factors associated with perception of ownership. Many self-classified nonowners had fed the cats they surrendered, often for a considerable period of time. The factor most strongly associated with ownership perception was an increasing association time with the cat. These findings confirm that enduring relationships between surrenderers and cats, consistent with cat semiownership, are common for cats surrendered to Australian animal shelters. This finding should be taken into account when planning education messages and cat population management strategies aimed at reducing cat admissions.

Welfare assessments for long-term housing in animal shelters

A KEY consideration for animal shelters is maintaining quality of life and welfare. In the USA many shelters are experiencing a decrease in intake and euthanasia rates, resulting in shorter...

SPECIE-SPECIFIC OUTCOMES OF WILD RAPTORS ATTENDED AT A WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTRE IN CATALONIA (1997-2005)

Outcome research of rehabilitation of wild birds of prey and owls are scarcely reported. The aim of th is study is to investigate specie-specific outcomes of the rehabilitation practice in wild raptor attende d in a wildlife center. A total of 6221 hospitalized wild raptors (3241 Strigiformes; 2980 Falconiformes) admitted at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (WRC) of Catalonia from 1995 to 2007 were analysed. The outcomes indicators were based on ratios of Euthana sia (E r), Mortality (M r), Release (R r) and Captivity (C r). Stratified analyses by main causes of admission were performed for the different raptor species. Species from the Falconiformes order presented high er rates of euthanasia (33.9%) compared to the Strigiformes (18.6%). Species like B. buteo (45.7%) and M. migrans (47.6%) in the Falconiformes and B. bubo (33.6%) in the Strigiformes, presented the highest E r. Despite no differences between orders could be observed in the row mortality rates, data analys ed by the causes of admission showed that the M r of owls was significant higher than the Falconiformes for the trauma (13.2%; χ 2 = 49.97; p<0.001), non trauma (12.7%; χ 2 = 17.41; p<0.001) and orphaned young categories (4. 9%; χ 2 = 5.4; p = 0.02). The release rate was similar between orders. Based on s pecies, G. fulvus (69.2%), C. aeruginosus (56.3%) and A. gentillis (43.1%) in the Falconiformes and O. scops (48.5%) in the Strigiformes showed the highest R r. In the orphaned young category owls had better R r than the diurnal raptors, being S. aluco the specie with the best rates of release (84%), wherea s B. bubo had the worst values (50%). Specie-specific differences were found in the rehabilitation outcom es according to the different causes of admission. The stratified analysis of outcomes can be useful in or der to to identify specie-specific risk factors.

Final Disposition and Quality Auditing of the Rehabilitation Process in Wild Raptors Admitted to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Catalonia, Spain, during a Twelve Year Period (1995–2007)

BackgroundVariability in reporting and classification methods in previous published data of the final dispositions in the rehabilitation of wild raptors makes use of this data limited in trying to audit the quality of the rehabilitation process. Crude as well as stratified disposition rates are needed if quality auditing of the rehabilitation process is to be adequately performed.MethodologyFinal dispositions of 6221 hospitalized wild raptors admitted at a wildlife rehabilitation centre (WRC) of Catalonia during 1995–2007 were analyzed. These dispositions were calculated as the euthanasia (Er), unassisted mortality (Mr), release (Rr) and captivity rates (Cr)., time to death (Td) for dead and euthanized raptors, and length of stay for released (Tr) raptors was estimated. Stratified analyses by main causes of admission and clinical signs were performed.ResultsThe disposition for the total population were: Er = 30.6%, Mr = 19.1%, Rr = 47.2%, and Cr = 3%. By main causes of admission, Er was higher in the trauma category (34.2%), whereas Mr was found similar between trauma (37.4%) and non-trauma categories (34.8%). The highest Rr was observed for the orphaned group (77.9%). Furthermore, Cr was low in all the categories (<4%). By clinical signs, the highest Er was found in animals suffering musculoskeletal (37.9%) or skin (32.3%) lesions; Mr was high in infectious/parasitic diseases (66.7%) and in case of neurological symptoms (64.5%). The euthanized birds had a median Td = 1 day (P10 = 0-P90 = 59) for both trauma and non-trauma categories, and Td = 36 days for the orphaned young group (P10 = 0; P90 = 596). The median Td in the unassisted dead birds was 2 days for all the categories (P10 = 0-P90 = 31). Finally, the median Tr in the centre was variable among categories.Conclusions/SignificanceReporting of final dispositions in wildlife rehabilitation should include the crude and stratified rates (Er, Mr, Rr, and Cr), by causes and clinical presentation, as well as Td and Tr, to allow meaningful auditing of the rehabilitation process quality.

Trends in End-of-Life Decision Making in Patients With and Without Cancer

Because of cancer's high symptom burden and specific disease course, patients with cancer are more likely than other patients to face end-of-life decisions that have possible or certain life-shortening effects (ELDs). This study examines the incidence of ELDs in patients with cancer compared with patients without cancer and the trends in ELD incidence from 1998-2007. A nationwide death certificate study in Flanders, Belgium, was conducted in 2007, analogous to one completed in 1998. Physicians who had signed selected death certificates (n = 6,927) were sent a questionnaire. The response rate was 58.4%. Nonsudden deaths were studied. Intensified symptom alleviation occurred more in patients with cancer than in those without (53.8% v 31.7%; P < .001) as did euthanasia (6.8% v 0.9%; P < .001). There was no difference between groups in nontreatment decisions and life-ending acts without patient's explicit request. Patients with cancer were less involved in the end-of-life decision-making process than patients without cancer (69.7% v 83.5%; P = .001). From 1998 to 2007, ELD incidence has increased in patients with cancer (+6.7%) and even more in patients without cancer (+14.9%) because of an increase in intensified symptom alleviation. In patients with cancer, euthanasia rates increased strongly and life-ending acts without the patient's explicit request decreased. The higher ELD incidence in patients with cancer compared with those without is probably related to differences in disease trajectories and access to end-of-life care. During the period from 1998 to 2007, when euthanasia was legalized and palliative care intensified, overall ELDs increased, including those as a result of symptom alleviation and euthanasia, with a decrease in life-ending acts without explicit request.

Shelter Animal Management and Trends in Taiwan

Trends in the number of dogs entering and departing Taiwan public shelters are analyzed in this article. There were 40 public shelters surveyed from 2000 to 2005 for dog entries and departures. The results indicate that (a) adoption rates and relinquished animal numbers increased, and euthanasia rates decreased at the beginning of the study, but they are showing signs of reversal; (b) shelters in cities have higher adoption rates than those in rural areas; (c) euthanasia remains the main means of controlling dog numbers in most shelters; and (d) potential adopters in Taiwan prioritize animal health and body size when selecting dogs for adoption. There is a need for increased and persistent public education to ensure continued progress is made in encouraging people to treat companion animals responsibly. In addition to educational efforts, creating new, specialized shelters for housing highly adoptable animals can alleviate the space constraint problems in existing kennels and improve the welfare of stray dogs.

Trends in Sheltering and Welfare at the Hawaiian Humane Society, Oahu, Hawaii

One of the major goals of an animal welfare organization is to reduce the number of homeless, nonhuman animals in a community. In Hawaii, the Hawaiian Humane Society has provided numerous animal welfare services to work toward this goal, such as offering sterilizations and microchipping at reduced rates and facilitating animal adoptions and education. In addition, the Leash Law and the Cat Identification Program have increased animal welfare through increasing the responsibilities of companion animal caregivers (owners). The goal of this research was to assess if temporal changes in animal sheltering have occurred in Hawaii. The study assessed this by analyzing historical data on dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) admitted, returned to owner, sterilized, euthanized, and adopted from the Humane Societies of Oahu, Hawaii, from 1993 to 2008. The study also analyzed dog and cat admittance and Honolulu population growth from 1975 to 2008. Sterilizations and pets returned to owners have increased significantly, whereas admittance and euthanasia rates have decreased significantly. Thus, although these data cannot conclusively state that there are fewer homeless animals in Hawaii, the results provide positive indicators of reducing homeless pets, especially when coupled with an increase in both the human population of Honolulu County and dog ownership.

Outcome and medical management in dogs with lower motor neuron disease undergoing mechanical ventilation: 14 cases (2003–2009)

To describe the application of intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IIPV) in dogs with lower motor neuron disease (LMND). Multi-institutional, retrospective study (2003-2009). Intensive care units at multiple university teaching hospitals. Fourteen dogs with LMND that underwent IIPV. None. The ventilatory logs of 4 teaching hospitals were searched for dogs undergoing IIPV in association with a diagnosis of acute LMND. The medical records were evaluated for signalment, specific LMND, ventilatory management and duration, complications associated with ventilation, duration of hospitalization, and outcome. Descriptive statistics were used as indicated. Fifteen records were evaluated, 1 dog was excluded since it experienced cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) before commencement of IIPV. The median age was 7.0 years (range 10 mo to 12 y). There were 5 Labrador retrievers, 4 mixed breeds, and 5 other breeds were each represented once. Five dogs were diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, 4 dogs with polyradiculoneuritis, and 5 dogs had an undetermined LMND. Clinical signs of weakness before ventilation were present for a median of 36 hours (range 6 h to 14 d). Dogs were ventilated for a median of 109 hours (range 5-261 h). Nine dogs had temporary tracheostomies performed, and 8 dogs received nutritional support. Five dogs developed ventilator associated pneumonia. Six dogs were successfully weaned from the ventilator with a median ventilatory time of 49 hours (range 25-192 h). Three dogs survived to discharge. No single LMND was associated with a better outcome. High euthanasia rates and iatrogenic complications limit the ability to accurately prognosticate for affected dogs in this retrospective study, but in dogs with LMND that is severe enough to require IIPV, support may be required days to weeks.

The Reporting Rate of Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide

To study trends in reporting rates of euthanasia from 1990 to 2005 in relation to whether recommended or nonrecommended drugs were used, and the most important differences between reported and unreported cases in 2005. Questionnaires were sent to a sample of 6860 physicians who had reported a death in 2005 (response 78%). Previously, 3 similar studies were done at 5-year intervals. The total number of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide cases was estimated using a "gold standard" definition: death was-according to the physician-the result of the use of drugs at the explicit request of the patient with the explicit goal of hastening death (denominator). The Euthanasia Review Committees provided the number of reported cases (numerator). The reporting rate of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide increased from 18% in 1990, 41% in 1995, and 54% in 2001 to 80% in 2005. The reporting rate in the subgroup of euthanasia with recommended drugs (barbiturates and muscle relaxants) was 73% in 1995, 71% in 2001, and 99% in 2005. The reporting rate of euthanasia with nonrecommended drugs (eg, opioids) was below 3% in 1995, 2001, and 2005. Unreported euthanasia differed also from reported euthanasia in the fact that physicians less often labeled their act as euthanasia. Euthanasia with nonrecommended drugs is almost never reported. The total reporting rate increased because of an increase in the use of recommended drugs for euthanasia between 1995 and 2001, and an increase in the reporting rate for euthanasia with recommended drugs between 2001 and 2005.

End-of-Life Practices in the Netherlands under the Euthanasia Act

In 2002, an act regulating the ending of life by a physician at the request of a patient with unbearable suffering came into effect in the Netherlands. In 2005, we performed a follow-up study of euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, and other end-of-life practices. We mailed questionnaires to physicians attending 6860 deaths that were identified from death certificates. The response rate was 77.8%. In 2005, of all deaths in the Netherlands, 1.7% were the result of euthanasia and 0.1% were the result of physician-assisted suicide. These percentages were significantly lower than those in 2001, when 2.6% of all deaths resulted from euthanasia and 0.2% from assisted suicide. Of all deaths, 0.4% were the result of the ending of life without an explicit request by the patient. Continuous deep sedation was used in conjunction with possible hastening of death in 7.1% of all deaths in 2005, significantly increased from 5.6% in 2001. In 73.9% of all cases of euthanasia or assisted suicide in 2005, life was ended with the use of neuromuscular relaxants or barbiturates; opioids were used in 16.2% of cases. In 2005, 80.2% of all cases of euthanasia or assisted suicide were reported. Physicians were most likely to report their end-of-life practices if they considered them to be an act of euthanasia or assisted suicide, which was rarely true when opioids were used. The Dutch Euthanasia Act was followed by a modest decrease in the rates of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. The decrease may have resulted from the increased application of other end-of-life care interventions, such as palliative sedation.

Impact of euthanasia rates, euthanasia practices, and human resource practices on employee turnover in animal shelters

To examine the effects of euthanasia rates, euthanasia practices, and human resource practices on the turnover rate among employees with euthanasia responsibilities at animal shelters. Cross-sectional original study. 36 shelters across the United States that employed at least 5 full-time employees and performed euthanasia on site. By mail, 1 survey was sent to each shelter. Surveys were completed by a senior member of management and were returned by mail. Questions assessed characteristics (eg, euthanasia rates) and practices of the animal shelter, along with employee turnover rates. By use of correlation coefficients and stepwise regression analyses, key predictors of turnover rates among employees with euthanasia responsibilities were investigated. Employee turnover rates were positively related to euthanasia rate. Practices that were associated with decreased turnover rates included provision of a designated euthanasia room, exclusion of other live animals from vicinity during euthanasia, and removal of euthanized animals from a room prior to entry of another animal to be euthanized. Making decisions regarding euthanasia of animals on the basis of factors other than behavior and health reasons was related to increased personnel turnover. With regard to human resources practices, shelters that used a systematic personnel selection procedure (eg, standardized testing) had comparatively lower employee turnover. Data obtained may suggest several specific avenues that can be pursued to mitigate turnover among employees with euthanasia responsibilities at animal shelters and animal control or veterinary medical organizations.

Rates of Euthanasia and Adoption for Dogs and Cats in Michigan Animal Shelters

Estimates of canine and feline euthanasia at U.S. animal shelters—largely based on voluntary surveys with low response rates—make it difficult to estimate the population from which the euthanized animals derive. Estimates of euthanasia rates (animals euthanized per unit of population) have varied widely and been available only sporadically. This study used requirements of Michigan state law (Pet Shops, Dog Pounds, and Animal Shelters Act, 1969) for animal shelters to collect admission and discharge data for all 176 Michigan-licensed animal shelters. In 2003, Michigan shelters discharged 140,653 dogs: Of these, 56,972 (40%) were euthanized; 40,005 (28%) were adopted. This annual euthanasia rate is 2.6% of the estimated 2003 Michigan dog population. Michigan shelters discharged 134,405 cats in 2003: 76,321 (57%) by euthanasia and (24%) by adoption. The estimated ratio of euthanized cats to cats who had owners was 3.1%. Small shelters and privately owned shelters were associated with higher adoption rates. Comparison with historical information from the past 10 to 20 years suggests the number of companion animals being euthanized in shelters has decreased and that progress has been made in reducing the companion animal overpopulation problem.

Evaluation of patterns of removal and associations among culling because of lameness and sow productivity traits in swine breeding herds

To characterize patterns of removal and evaluate the associations among culling because of lameness and sow productivity traits among culled gilts and sows. Cross-sectional study. Data from a convenience sample of 11 farms pertaining to the removal of 51,795 gilts and sows from January 1991 to December 2002. Mean culling and mortality (death and euthanasia) rates for all inventoried gilts and sows ranged from 23% to 50% and 4.7% to 9.5%, respectively. An analysis of categories of removal (cull, death, or euthanasia) and reasons for removal of gilts and sows was performed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine associations among culling because of lameness and sow productivity traits among culled gilts and sows. Among sows that were removed, the proportion of parity > or = 1 sows that died (both death and euthanasia) was > 3 times the proportion of parity > or = 1 sows that were culled within 20 days after farrowing. Among lame sows that were removed, the proportion of parity > or = 1 sows that died (death and euthanasia) was higher than the proportion of parity > or = 1 sows that were culled within 20 days after farrowing. Among sows that were removed, the proportion of sows that died (deaths and euthanasia) was higher during lactation than nonlactation. This was also observed among lame sows that were removed. The proportion of death among removed sows, especially lame sows, was higher during lactation than nonlactation. Results indicated that risk of death is not the same for sows throughout their lifetime.

Determinants of Adoption and Euthanasia of Shelter Dogs Spayed or Neutered in the University of California Veterinary Student Surgery Program Compared to Other Shelter Dogs

Limited economic resources and pet overpopulation force animals shelters to consider euthanasia of adoptable animals every day. Veterinary medical schools can play a positive role in increasing pet adoption and combating overpopulation by providing free neutering for shelter animals. This retrospective cohort study illustrated that the cooperative efforts of a veterinary medicine surgical teaching program and local animal shelters decreases euthanasia of adoptable pets. At the University of California, Davis (UCD), shelter dogs are neutered by veterinary students and then returned to the shelter for adoption. The rates of adoption and euthanasia of the dogs neutered at UCD were contrasted with a comparison shelter group to determine the effect of pre-adoption neutering. The UCD-neutered dogs had a lower rate of euthanasia than the comparison shelter group at the shelters investigated. At Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation, 73% of the UCD group but only 36% of the comparison group were adopted. At Yolo County Animal Services, 71% of the UCD group and 45% of the comparison group were adopted. The sex of an animal did not significantly affect the rate of euthanasia. Dogs that were predominantly pit bull, rottweiler, or chow chow breeds had higher rates of euthanasia than other breeds, independent of neuter status. Also, juveniles (less than one year old) had lower rates of euthanasia than adults, independent of neuter status. UCD adult dogs had lower rates of euthanasia than comparison adults. Post-surgical UCD dogs spent a longer average time in the shelter before adoption (15 days at Sacramento; 16 days at Yolo) than the comparison dogs (11 and 12 days, respectively). UCD dogs also spent a longer average time in the shelter before euthanasia (18 and 25 days, respectively) than the comparison dogs (13 days at both shelters). Lower probabilities of euthanasia for behavioral or medical reasons were found for UCD dogs than for the comparison dogs. The probability of euthanasia for reasons of space limitations increased with time in shelter for both groups. In this study, pre-adoption neutering increased adoptions without increasing the probability of medical or behavioral euthanasia.