Euthanasia

Euthanasia is the act of providing a painless death to end suffering, often by injecting a drug. This is typically done for animals with incurable or painful diseases. Space is a top priority for animal shelters, as overcrowding can lead to the result of euthanasia of animals. Health issues, unwanted pets, and harmful stereotypes, including lack of space contribute to the euthanasia of roughly 2.7 million dogs and cats each year. By spaying and neutering animals, less euthanizing happens. 

 Stereotypes can also have detrimental results. Pit bulls, in particular, are often euthanized due to the false belief that they are aggressive. 

Animals may also be euthanized due to declining health caused by chronic anxiety, social isolation, and lack of exercise. These factors can negatively impact their physical and emotional health, leading to euthanasia in some shelters. 

Unwanted pets from the lack of spaying/neutering contributes to euthanizing animals.  In areas like Silicon Valley, lack of space and Shelter is a top priority according to Robert Armburst, CEO of Palo Alto Humane Society. Due to the lack of space some animals who may have a chance are not given that chance. Space also prevents them from doing more medical procedures.