Dog Incorrectly Euthanized At Prince George's Shelter, Animal Welfare Advocates Alarmed

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A 6-year-old adopted hound named George was incorrectly euthanized, which has sounded alarms for animal welfare advocates. Prince George's County officials told WUSA9 that animal services workers euthanized the dog before contacting the rescue organization that would have taken responsibility for him.

According to George the Amazing Hound's Facebook page, on June 26, the author posted that "we have the saddest news."

"George was KILLED at PG animal shelter in Maryland although he had a microchip. This was shared with the rescue by the shelter workers. Typically when a rescue dog like George is taken to a shelter, the shelter calls the rescue to reclaim the dog. Typically dogs get five days of hold while they are reclaimed. In this case, nobody at the shelter verified ownership and additionally they authorized him to be killed within 24 hours," the post stated. "Every pet should be checked for a chip when entering a shelter regardless of 'who' dropped off. Sorry the broken system and protocols at PG failed you. May your soul rest in peace. You had a home waiting for you and you did not have to die. So sorry, you were a good boy."

The Facebook page shared that George's owner had to surrender him after the owner became ill. George was placed in a foster home, but he escaped and was surrendered to Prince George's County Animal Services on June 21.

In an email exchange, a spokesperson for Prince George’s County’s Department of Environment, which oversees animal services, confirmed an incident involving George.

“I am unable to provide any information on this since there is an ongoing investigation," the spokesperson wrote.

Tamela Terry, executive director of the Prince George’s County SPCA, a volunteer animal welfare organization, told WUSA9 that "the episode highlights her concerns that the animal services division in Prince George's is falling short of its obligations."

Read more at WUSA9