The Northumberland Humane Society is a Low-Kill Shelter

The Northumberland Humane Society is a Low-Kill Shelter There is a fundamental misunderstanding about euthanasia at low-kill shelters such as ours. Our prime motivation is the humane treatment of animals and the safety of our staff, volunteers and the public. Euthanasia is never a result of the length of time that an animal has remained at our shelter nor do we euthanize animals because our shelter is full.

Euthanasia is always the very last resort and is never considered unless:

• • • • • The animal is very aggressive and/or has severely attacked a person or other animal and this poses a risk to staff, volunteers or the public
        • The animal has been identified as dangerous and assessed by a behavioural specialist and deemed that is cannot be rehabilitated, or
        • A licensed veterinarian has confirmed that the animal has an untreatable illness and its quality of life is significantly diminished.                

If you have any further questions about our policy, please do not hesitate to contact our Director of Operations, Max Chipman –  directoroperations@northumberlandhs.com, 905-252-2236, Ext. 22