we've had many discussions here about the connection between humans and animals, and they've always been very interesting.

today, i came across this article about two researchers at UNC Charlotte who have studied the effects of animal euthanasia on the workers in animal shelters. it speaks to the cause and effect relationship between all of the elements involved in pet breeding, ownership and the fallout of irresponsibility.

i'd love to hear what you think.






February 7, 2005

UNC Charlotte professors’ study reveals euthanasia-related strain prevalent among animal shelter workers
Research recommends ways to deal with “care-killing” paradox

CHARLOTTE – A 2003 Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) study estimates that of the 6 to 8 million cats and dogs that enter animal shelters each year, nearly one-half are euthanized. The magnitude of the pet overpopulation appears to make animal euthanasia a tragic and necessary reality – with no signs of slowing. Yet the numbers do not show another casualty that has been largely neglected: the thousands of people across the country who are charged with euthanizing those animals.

Two professors at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte have been studying this “at risk” population since 2000.

Steven Rogelberg, an associate psychology professor, and Charlie Reeve, an assistant psychology professor, are learning about euthanasia-related stress and finding ways to promote an overall healthier work environment that they call a “dirty work” occupation.

The stress that shelter workers are exposed to is uniquely different from the usual work-related stress that employees in other professions experience. People entering this field say they often do so because they want to help animals. However, they discover that they are faced daily with a contradiction: serving as ‘protectors’ of these animals, while having to kill healthy but unwanted ones. This creates a ‘care-killing’ paradox.

“These animal shelter workers are performing a job that many of us wouldn’t want to do, but needs to be done given society’s neglect of dealing with pet overpopulation,” says Rogelberg. “It’s a thankless, emotionally taxing and often underappreciated job.”

Overall, Rogelberg and Reeve found varying levels of stress can manifest itself in a number of ways. Many of the animal shelter workers interviewed said they find it hard to detach themselves from the animals they work with each day. They often feel angry, sad, guilty and disgusted even though they attempt to conceal their feelings. The internal conflict of caring for and also euthanizing animals put these workers at risk for a variety of psychological, emotional and physical ailments, such as high blood pressure, depression, unresolved grief, substance abuse and suicide.

Rogelberg and Reeve found among the more than 1,000 employees surveyed throughout the United States and parts of Canada, the highest turnover among shelter workers occurs within the first year. They recommend several ways to promote a better working climate that include more efficient technical training and managerial practices. Additionally, Rogelberg and Reeve have created a Shelter Diagnostic System to help animal shelters operate better. Besides the organizational initiatives, the researchers support proactive public awareness programs, such as adoption and extensive neuter assistance programs, that could decrease the need for euthanasia.

“The need for euthanasia starts and ends with everyone,” Rogelberg says. “By treating animals humanely and engaging actively in spay and neuter programs, the need for euthanizing healthy, but unwanted, animals will die away over time.”

for the past 10 yrs i have been a steady vol @ the local animal shelter

on "E" days ( usually once a week ) its just amazing how that day stays with your emotions for a day or 2 afterwards

and its amazing how many beautiful puppys dogs kittens and cats are destroyed

and this shelter is a minny ... no where in the mountians shelter

i cant imagine all the larger ones

I am not surprised that adminsitering euthanasia causes all kinds of stress and emotional reactions among shelter workers. That is not a job that I could do. Intersting article, thx. It makes me want to go adopt an animal.

Mach said:

how cool that you're volunteering at the shelter! i'm sure you see all sorts of animals coming through, with all kinds of histories and an uncertain future.

btw, i'm trying to help a wildlife rescue group in Asheville with some fundraising - it's a couple trying to run this while still working full-time. hopefully, we'll be able to build them a permanent shelter and an education facility.

Stax said:

that's definitely the way to go!

I would worry if this didn't affect people. It must be really difficult to have a job like that.

irresistibleb1tch said:

awesome

maybe i know them ...

Mach said:

the organization is called "Wild for Life" - ring a bell?

The shelters in our area have no kill policies except for really sick and vicious animals. They use foster hames and smaller shelters to house the animals and work really hard to find them homes. We have many rescue groups like greyhound rescue , Adopta-bull,and educa-bull. We also have free and low cost spay and neuter programs.The vets in our area donate a lot of their time to neuter stray cats so at least the feral cat population can be controlled somewhat. Its not perfect but it is a beginning and I thik it could work in a lot of shelters.

Stax said:

Try:
www.petfinder.com