A personal situation forced the Blackwell family to make the difficult decision of whether or not to give up their two dogs, Tux and Bruiser. For two months, they tried to find a new home for the dogs, but had no luck.
Eventually, the Blackwells decided to bring the dogs to Aiken County Animal Shelter. Less than three hours later, Tux and Bruiser were dead.Aiken County Animal Shelter categorizes animals as lost with identification, lost unidentified, and surrendered animals. Animals lost with identification cannot be euthanized for at least two weeks, while lost unidentified animals have a five-day wait period. Euthanasia is an immediate option for surrendered animals, like Tux and Bruiser.
Please sign this petition demanding that Aiken County Animal Shelter change this policy and implement a euthanasia waiting period for surrendered animals too.After bringing the dog to the shelter, the Blackwell’s 16-year-old daughter called the shelter to let them know she found someone who would take the dogs. The shelter was closing soon, so Karli Blackwell said she would come in the morning to pick up the dogs. When she arrived the next morning, she found out the Tux and Bruiser were already dead.
The decision to euthanize an animal should not be taken lightly or decided on whim, no matter how the animal found itself at the shelter. The life of a surrendered animal should not be given less consideration than the life of a lost animal.
Please join in demanding that Aiken County Animal Shelter put in place a waiting period before considering euthanasia for surrendered animals.