Letter: Euthanasia at shelter angers reader
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Upon reading the article under this headline, “Workers: Animal deaths needless,” I felt as though I had witnessed a scene from the crematory at Auschwitz.
My question is: Was a veterinarian called in to confirm this outbreak of a “contagious, airborne virus”?
Actually, I can see the advantage of not having to feed, maintain utilities or pay salaries to workers (who quit!), if you simply eliminate the “residents.”
From a bean counter’s point of view, that was a smart move. Imagine employing that technique when our nursing homes and prisons were attacked by a suspicious, contagious, airborne virus!
From a humane view, how sad that we humans have so little compassion for those forms of life which depend on our wise judgments.
I really want to exhort the state of Louisiana to institute a program which carefully monitors and assists public and nonpublic animal shelters.
Many of those who staff these shelters are truly compassionate, caring people. However, some of those empowered to make decisions may not be as concerned for animal welfare as they are for their budget.
I empathize with the workers who, like the animals, were also traumatized needlessly by this knee-jerk response to a questionable health threat.
Bottom line. No one person should have the authority to order wholesale euthanasia without the oversight of a qualified panel of veterinarians and animal infectious disease specialists, as well as a compassionate citizen of the community served by the facilities.
I am so angry, I am numb.
Marsha Kemp
Teacher
Clinton
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