Op Ed: Healthy Three-Week-old Kitten Euthanized, a Tragic Mistake

This is the story about a  healthy three-week-old kitten whose life was ended prematurely, for no apparent reason, at  the hands of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; an organization whose mission  is to protect and save the lives of innocent animals.

As a blogger who writes about animals, I generally remain neutral, presenting both sides of highly charged issues that carry strong emotions. But today I am in a quandary as I find it impossible not to share my personal opinion.

While reading a recent entry on the "No Kill" blog, passionately written Nathan J. Winograd, a man who has been fighting to save animals his entire life, I could hardly hold back my tears of outrage and sorrow.

This is the story about a  healthy three-week-old kitten whose life was ended prematurely, for no apparent reason, at  the hands of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; an organization whose mission  is to protect and save the lives of innocent animals.

The kitten was surrendered to the ASPCA by someone who may have chanced upon him and, caring enough, took him to the shelter. Perhaps this person was inspired by the ASPCA’s  heart-wrenching television ads, thinking when the kitten was old enough, a permanent loving home would easily be found.  This person, described by Winograd as a “Good Samaritan”, trusted the ASPCA, never doubting the kitten would be treated kindly with compassion, kept safe and well cared for.

So what could possibly be the logical reason the ASPCA euthanized this healthy three week-old kitten? That’s an excellent question.

I surmise that this meaningless act was certainly was not due to a lack of funds to cover the cost of caring for such a tiny ball of fur.  According to Winograd, the ASPCA’s annual revenues exceed $140,000,000, (Yes, Millions), and according to Winograd’s estimate the cost of saving his life was about $33.00 to give him milk, and provide a litter box. 

According to the Mayor's Alliance of New York City's Animals, the city doesn't kill healthy animals. Since in the kitten’s records under “health issues” is clearly marked “none,” communicable diseases were certainly not the issue as well.

I wonder how the “Good Samaritan” would feel if he knew the sad but true ending of this story.  ASPCA did not care for this kitten. The organization that professes their mission is saving animals did not offer the baby kit comfort or respite. Since homes for adorable kittens are much easier to find than for adult cats, the ASPCA did not even provide him with a chance to be cherished by a loving family in a permanent loving home.

What they did for him however, was to euthanize him with dispatch, two hours after he was brought to the shelter.

I cannot wrap my brain around this arbitrary and the senseless loss of a precious kitten’s life. The kitten had his whole life ahead of him. He could have brought joy and companionship to someone who would have kept him safe and showered him with love.

Am I angry? You bet I am. Am I heart-broken? More than you could ever imagine.  Does it comfort me to read what Winograd poignantly wrote in his blog that the kitten now is “In the Arms of an Angel”?” Not one bit.  What is your reaction to this story? 

Share your  thoughts about it in a comment.