Animal Control: Euthanasia Is Lower Than a Year Ago
Kane County Animal Control Director Brett Youngsteadt wants to clear up what might have been a misconception based on a chart of euthanasia statistics for 2014 and 2015.
“Euthanasia is actually lower than it was in 2014, and that is a trend we hope to continue,” Youngsteadt said Wednesday (Dec. 16, 2015) at a Kane County Public Health Committee meeting.
Youngsteadt said some readers might have been confused if they took a cursory glance at a chart in the committee’s agenda packet, which includes statistics compiled since Youngsteadt started as Animal Control director in September 2014.
Youngsteadt said the previous Animal Control director did not record euthanasia numbers “for whatever reason.” Because the chart only reflects numbers from the last months of 2014, a reader might conclude that euthanasia statistics were up year over year.
In fact, the total in 2014 was 89. The total year to date in Fiscal Year 2015 is 64 — a decline of about 28 percent if there are no changes for the balance of the year.
“I appreciate you clarifying that,” said Susan Starrett, a Health Committee member and Kane County Board representative of District 10. “It’s important that we show what we’re doing with clarity and transparency, and that we’re not doing euthanasia arbitrarily or indiscriminately.”
Youngsteadt emphasized that euthanasia is a last resort, primarily for animals that are sick, injured or a threat to public safety. Of the 30 dogs euthanized in Fiscal Year 2015, 26 were for behavior issues or aggression and four were under the category of sick/not curable. Of the eight cats, one was under the category of behavior, two were aggressive and six were sick/not curable.
In all, Kane County Animal Control admitted 374 animals year-to-date in FY 2015, including 58 cats, 279 dogs and 37 “other.” Of those, 167 were reclaimed, 95 were adopted and 78 were place with rescue agencies.
FAQ: Do you offer euthanasia?
KCAC: “We do not offer this service to the public. For euthanasia and related services, contact your local veterinarian.”
Shelter Activity Chart
About Kane County Animal Control
It is the duty of the Animal Control Department to:
- Ensure that all domesticated dogs and cats over 4 months of age are vaccinated against Rabies and have a Kane County Rabies Tag.
- Ensure that all reported animal bites are given precautionary attention in relation to the possibility rabies infection.
- Ensure that pet owners are instructed on proper procedures pertaining to animal bites and enforce adherence to these procedures.
- Contain loose\stray dogs in unincorporated Kane County and those towns and villages with whom contracted.
- Investigate nuisance dog complaints in unincorporated Kane County and those towns and villages with whom contracted.
- Investigate complaints of neglected and\or abused dogs.
For more information, visit the Kane County Animal Control website and Facebook page!
Animal Control Ordinance
Kane County ordinances relating to animals can be found by downloading the Kane County Ordinance material.
