Euthanasia or humane destruction of stray cats

Members of the public regularly present New Zealand veterinarians with stray cats for euthanasia or humane destruction. Faced with this situation, veterinarians need to proceed carefully with a detailed understanding of the complex decision-making required that is based on:

1. legal and ethical requirements
2. welfare implications for the stray cat
3. welfare implications for those providing care for stray cats
4. welfare implications for the veterinary team.

These considerations are often not well understood or acknowledged by the person or people presenting the cat, who may not be aware that veterinarians are not legally required to accept stray cats into their care, neither are they obligated to agree to euthanase or humanely destroy healthy stray cats.

Guidance contained within the NZVA's position statement is intended to provide further information for the public around veterinary considerations when faced with an unowned stray cat.

Veterinarians advocate for and promote optimal health and welfare of animals and encourage responsible pet ownership. The NZVA supports appropriate euthanasia or humane destruction with consideration for sections in the below position statement.

> NZVA position statement: Euthanasia or humane destruction of stray cats

> NZVA member guidelines: Euthanasia or humane destruction of stray cats

> SPCA guidelines: What to do if you find a healthy stray animal?