After a dog from the Longmont Humane Society was euthanized, a veterinary technician at the shelter quit her job and wrote a scathing social media post.
Susanna Rohr is claiming that LHS unnecessarily euthanized a dog, according to a post on Facebook. LHS, on the other hand, argues euthanasia was “the only compassionate option.”
Backstory:
Roughly three months ago, a dog named Scram, along with his littermates were surrendered to LHS after the animals were “brutally attacked by their mother,” according to the shelter. Scram was the only one to survive but he suffered “catastrophic” skull injuries and severe neurological damage. Despite his injuries, he was alive. This is where stories begin to diverge.
Rohr claims that although Scram was neurologically compromised, he was also happy, capable of eating, drinking, playing, and seeking affection. Rohr says he made significant progress over the 11 weeks in her care. Rohr adds…
Scram deserved the opportunity to be evaluated by a neurologist before euthanasia was considered, so she scheduled an MRI.
July 20: Rohr claims LHS didn’t want to pay for the MRI despite funds already being allocated for it. Rohr volunteered to adopt Scram and personally pay for the MRI herself, but the shelter refused.
Scram was taken from her care, placed with a “non-medical Kid” where his condition rapidly deteriorated. His MRI was canceled and the next day, he was euthanized.
Rohr also accused shelter leadership of bullying and intimidation in response to her advocacy for Scram.
LHS’ side of the story:
In an interview with The Longmont Brief, Gus Mircos, LHS’ executive director, said Rohr left out critical details. Regarding why she was not allowed to adopt Scram…
LHS is bound by PACFA (Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act) regulations — the Department of Agriculture’s regulatory arm for companion animals — which prevents the adoption of animals who likely need euthanasia. However, PACFA is only responsible for ensuring LHS is up to state standards for animal care. It has no influence on euthanasia decisions.
Mircos added that Scram’s condition deteriorated while in Rohr’s care — not after Scram was taken away, as Rohr had stated online. According to Mircos…
While Scram was in Rohr’s care, Rohr met with LHS leadership and reported that Scram’s condition was worsening. Rohr then agreed to provide daily updates about Scram’s condition to LHS, but the shelter says that never happened.
As a result, LHS felt it necessary to remove Scram, who was placed with a shelter manager — also an animal welfare professional. That’s when Scram’s worsening condition reached its climax.
Scram began experiencing prolonged seizures with as many as 14 in a single evening. He also lost the use of his back legs and could no longer eat or drink unassisted. Notably, in the comment thread of her Facebook post, Rohr disputes claims that Scram could no longer eat with videos she says were recorded in the days leading up to Scram’s euthanasia.
Regarding the prospect of an MRI — Mircos said money was, indeed, set aside for Scram. But when his condition deteriorated, LHS’ DVM staff said that an MRI would not change course of treatment or outcome, and was unnecessary. Rohr initially agreed but later changed her mind after LHS canceled the MRI. Rohr rescheduled the appointment without permission, which the shelter canceled again.
The decision:
Mircos says decisions about euthanasia are made by a committee. Two internal Doctors of Veterinary Medicine, as well as a third-party veterinary neurology specialist, were consulted. They unanimously recommended euthanasia. Also…
A neurology consult recommended euthanasia as the most humane option. It added that the likelihood of Scram making it to adulthood was “basically zero.”
The shelter euthanized Scram on July 21.
Moving forward:
Rohr indicated on the comment thread of her post that she may pursue some degree of legal action. LHS adds that saving as many animals as possible is its highest priority. LHS says it has a 98% live release rate, which means that “the overwhelming majority of animals who come through our doors leave alive.”