Ableism killed Sky

I ask that you read the following statements from the Montreal SPCA critically, through a Critical Disability Study lens.  As an autistic person you might understand why I can never volunteer at an animal shelter, as I can not tolerate so called behavioural euthanasia. 

CLARIFICATION REGARDING THE EUTHANASIA OF THE DOG NAMED SKY   
Once again, unfortunately, some incomplete or erroneous information is circulating on social media regarding the euthanasia of a dog at the Montreal SPCA. It seems important to us to clarify the facts.  

HUMANE EUTHANASIA: DECISION-MAKING   
The decision to end an animal's life comes with a heavy responsibility, which we take very seriously at the SPCA. Only animals presenting severe behavioral problems to the point of posing a danger to public safety, or those who arrive at our facility dying or gravely ill, or whose quality of life is no longer acceptable, are euthanized.   

However, the shelter remains a stressful environment for animals and can alter their mental and physical state when their stay is prolonged. It happens that we must consider the euthanasia of an animal for this reason, when all placement solutions have been tried and have failed, and future placement chances are nil.   (Note that there were actually suitable placement options, including AVVA which was willing to take Sky, and a trainer wanted to work with him.  There were options).  

This difficult decision is made as a last resort, following a rigorous process involving several members of our team, including veterinarians and animal behavior specialists.   

(This reeks of ableism.  It was a sensory inaccessible shelter environment, not a problem with Sky, that was the reason for the behaviour.)

Please know that we make constant efforts to avoid arriving at an irreversible solution. Our veterinarians, animal health technicians, behavior specialists, animal care attendants, adoption counselors, and trained volunteers work tirelessly to reduce animal stress, meet their needs, and promote their rehabilitation. All avenues are considered for the animals in our care.

Our team, much like you, our community, and our donors, is made up of individuals deeply committed to animals. Our priority remains their well-being and quality of life, while rigorously assuming our civic responsibility regarding public safety.

ABOUT SKY
To answer questions regarding the dog Sky more precisely, here are the facts. Even before he was entrusted to us, Sky presented a complex behavioral history, notably marked by biting incidents of varying intensity.

Since his arrival last April, his condition has progressively deteriorated. Sky displayed particularly high reactivity toward other dogs, intense and frequent vocalizations, and a constant state of hypervigilance.

We also observed concerning signs of a deterioration in his well-being: he had begun eliminating in his crate, which he did not do previously, and even seemed to no longer recognize certain staff members with whom he had nevertheless developed bonds. These behaviors testified to significant and persistent distress.

This degradation, along with another serious biting incident that occurred last week, raised growing concerns regarding the safety of the people caring for him and the possibility of safely rehoming him with a new family.

All alternative solutions were explored, including those proposed in the last 72 hours. However, none of the options considered proved realistic and feasible given Sky's profile, his needs, the risks associated with handling him, current regulations, and his growing distress, which no longer allowed for his stay in the shelter to be prolonged.  (Read that last paragraph carefully.  Montreal SPCA actually admits to there being several placements, but the SPCA didn't even give them a chance because they didn't fit their standards).

It is therefore with immense sadness that we said goodbye to our friend this morning.

We take comfort in the conviction that we tried everything for him and surrounded him with love until the end. Sometimes, the most compassionate action one can take for an animal is to put an end to their suffering, whether physical or psychological. 💔 (As a disabled person I don't consider killing a disabled person, including a dog person, an act of compassion).

As a reminder, the Montreal SPCA helped over 1,800 dogs get a second chance at life in 2025, and their average length of stay in the shelter is 9.7 days.

PLEASE RESPECT OUR TEAMS' PEACE OF MIND (Well the Montreal SPCA caused the public, including myself, a lot of psychological pain with the cover ups and secrecy around this killing).  
Our teams are today the target of hateful messages. (Really?  You killed a dog out of an act of ableism!). We ask you, out of respect for their work and well-being, to demonstrate responsibility and humanity.  (Well the word humanity just proves your speciesism, suggesting people who opposed this killing are animalistic).  These individuals gave Sky their time, their energy, and their affection, and did everything possible to give him the best chances. They are experiencing a painful loss today, and we wish to express all our gratitude and support to them.

We hope that, despite the emotions this situation may arouse, everyone will show compassion and respect for all the people who, in shelters across Quebec, devote themselves tirelessly to helping animals.

Sincerely,

The SPCA Team
(PS as a disabled neurodivergent person I will never join your team.  I don't like how you treat neurodivergent dogs).