Lincoln Tribune
UNCC study shows euthanasia-related strain among animal shelter workers
Posted by Jason Saine on 2005/2/7 20:10:05 News by the same author
UNC Charlotte professors’ study reveals euthanasia-related strain prevalent among animal shelter workers

Research recommends ways to deal with “care-killing” paradox

CHARLOTTE – A 2003 Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) study estimates that of the 6 to 8 million cats and dogs that enter animal shelters each year, nearly one-half are euthanized. The magnitude of the pet overpopulation appears to make animal euthanasia a tragic and necessary reality – with no signs of slowing. Yet the numbers do not show another casualty that has been largely neglected: the thousands of people across the country who are charged with euthanizing those animals.

Two professors at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte have been studying this “at risk” population since 2000. Steven Rogelberg, an associate psychology professor, and Charlie Reeve, an assistant psychology professor, are learning about euthanasia-related stress and finding ways to promote an overall healthier work environment that they call a “dirty work” occupation.

The stress that shelter workers are exposed to is uniquely different from the usual work-related stress that employees in other professions experience. People entering this field say they often do so because they want to help animals. However, they discover that they are faced daily with a contradiction: serving as ‘protectors’ of these animals, while having to kill healthy but unwanted ones. This creates a ‘care-killing’ paradox.

“These animal shelter workers are performing a job that many of us wouldn’t want to do, but needs to be done given society’s neglect of dealing with pet overpopulation,” says Rogelberg. “It’s a thankless, emotionally taxing and often underappreciated job.”

Overall, Rogelberg and Reeve found varying levels of stress can manifest itself in a number of ways. Many of the animal shelter workers interviewed said they find it hard to detach themselves from the animals they work with each day. They often feel angry, sad, guilty and disgusted even though they attempt to conceal their feelings. The internal conflict of caring for and also euthanizing animals put these workers at risk for a variety of psychological, emotional and physical ailments, such as high blood pressure, depression, unresolved grief, substance abuse and suicide.

Rogelberg and Reeve found among the more than 1,000 employees surveyed throughout the United States and parts of Canada, the highest turnover among shelter workers occurs within the first year. They recommend several ways to promote a better working climate that include more efficient technical training and managerial practices. Additionally, Rogelberg and Reeve have created a Shelter Diagnostic System to help animal shelters operate better. Besides the organizational initiatives, the researchers support proactive public awareness programs, such as adoption and extensive neuter assistance programs, that could decrease the need for euthanasia.

“The need for euthanasia starts and ends with everyone,” Rogelberg says. “By treating animals humanely and engaging actively in spay and neuter programs, the need for euthanizing healthy, but unwanted, animals will die away over time.”

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