The Champaign County Humane Society is an "open admission" shelter. We accept animals in need of shelter regardless of their age, condition or adoptability. We make every effort to place all animals into loving and responsible homes, but when an animal is unsuitable for placement as a pet, it is euthanized by licensed technicians who use the most humane method available.
Some of the factors that might result in an animal being euthanized include aggression towards humans and other animals such that they may pose a threat to the community; medical conditions that will likely result in poor quality of life for the animal; population density or space available at the shelter; or contagious diseases that would place the rest of the shelter population at risk. Such decisions are made on an individual basis for each animal.
Decisions to euthanize an animal are never taken lightly at CCHS, but we accept responsibility for them because our goal is to help as many animals as possible within our capacity to do so.
We will not unnecessarily shift the burden of euthanasia to another facility in order to avoid it.
Through humane education, we hope to contribute to a future when all companion animal caretakers accept responsibility for their animals and no animal will be unwanted or abused. Until that day arrives, CCHS will continue its mission of educating the public, preventing cruelty and promoting the welfare of all animals. (Passed by the Board of Directors February 8, 2006)