Chicago area county's proposal to offer euthanasia for pets drawn attention
GENEVA, Ill. (CBS) – A proposal to offer euthanasia services for pets for behavioral or medical problems has stirred attention in suburban Kane County.
The proposed measure comes after an uptick in euthanasia across the country since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resolution was being prepared to be introduced at the next Kane County Public Health Committee meeting in 12 days to see if the proposal would move forward.
At a Feb. 21 Public Health Committee, animal control administrator Brett Youngstead proposed the new service: euthanasia for $100 for pets who may have medical or behavioral problems. He introduced the proposal after an uptick in euthanasia across the country since the close of the pandemic.
While some may spend thousands of dollars at the vet or for training, others might not have the money to properly put their dog down, which could cost hundreds of dollars.
"It's not something people want to do," Youngstead said. "It's something people have to do and it's a hard enough decision to make."
He told CBS 2 about one pet owner who spent $5,000 for their animal's cancer treatments. They couldn't afford an additional $500 to euthanize the pet. Youngstead said the City of Chicago offered a euthanasia service and was able to help.
That's why Youngstead introduced the service in hopes it could create a better life for the dog and alleviate stress from its owner.
Still, the idea brought at least one Kane County Board member to tears.
"Do you have parameters on your euthanasia?" asked Leslie Juby, a Democrat who represents District 11 in Kane County. "Like, can you prevent someone who is just tired of their dog from coming in and asking you to kill it?"
Youngstead told Juby that Kane County Animal Control would have the right to refuse anyone.
The agency would conduct a medical and behavioral evaluation of the dog before making the decision to put it down or give it another chance at life. If the evaluation determines the animal should not be euthanized, they would be either transferred or made available for adoption.
Regardless of if the proposal is approved, Youngstead said he just wants to ensure animals are taken care of.
"If it is struck down, then I want to follow what the board wishes, what the citizens' wishes are," Youngstead said. "Again, that's what my job here is to do, to ensure that these animals are well taken care of, everything that comes to me is handled appropriately, and I also want to continue to bring up services that could be of value to our citizens."