The University of Idaho did not follow university policy when Campus Veterinarian Peter Autenried captured and euthanized seven stray cats over the summer, said Dan Ewart, vice president of infrastructure.
The university’s administrative procedures manual does not mention euthanasia, but does contain guidelines for trapping. It states that all traps set for reasons other than research must be set and monitored by either Animal Control or the Humane Society.
“It became clear we were not following some of our own policies,” Ewart said.
Ewart presented 13 recommendations for future policy on animal control to Faculty Senate Tuesday, which he said the animal control task force presented to UI President Chuck Staben Sept. 30.
The list included recommendations that the university clarify its policies on animal control, that any animal control methods used be efficient and humane and that policy be applied to all UI campuses around the state.
Faculty Senate Chair Liz Brandt said animal control at UI campuses outside of Moscow was never an issue before, but she is glad the task force chose to recommend encompassing other campuses and properties.
“We are not currently trapping animals on campus,” Ewart said. “Euthanasia and trapping are suspended unless there is an imminent threat to our campus community. More work is required before any long-term decisions are made concerning trapping or euthanasia.”
This does not leave out of the question trapping or euthanasia in the future. Ewart said the methods have not been ruled out in the case of serious situations, but he expects the university to at least adopt stricter guidelines regarding the practices.
In case the university resumes trapping, the university purchased a chip scanner to check if the trapped animals belong to anyone, Ewart said.
Brandt said she was glad to see the university react quickly.
She said she thinks there are a variety of reasons the university may resume trapping and euthanasia in some form.
“Animals with rabies or that are causing property damage it might be safer to euthanize,” Brandt said. “And it’s cruel to the pets if someone owns them and isn’t feeding them.”
Jodie Nicotra of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences said she would like to see a press release from the university detailing its plans to review the policy.
“The community is clearly outraged,” Nicotra said. “But I felt like (the Moscow-Pullman Daily News) were trying to get people angry.”
Nicotra said she hopes letting the public know the university is addressing the issue will relieve attention from the university.
In case the university resumes trapping, the university purchased a chip scanner to check if the trapped animals belong to anyone, Ewart said.
Brandt said she was glad to see the university react quickly.
She said she thinks there are a variety of reasons the university may resume trapping and euthanasia in some form.
Nishant Mohancan be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @NishantRMohan
Joe Potosky
Roaming cats = Dead birds