SPOKANE, Wash. – A town hall meeting discussing animal euthanasia practices at local shelters turned contentious as animal rights activists argued both for and against current policies at SCRAPS and Spokane Humane Society.
The meeting, organized by No Kill Spokane, addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding SCRAPS and allegations that the organization has been unethically euthanizing animals. The debate comes after years of scrutiny over the shelter’s practices.
The town hall quickly grew tense as supporters of SCRAPS and opponents of the organization’s practices engaged in debates over when it is acceptable to euthanize a dog.
“There are a lot of different feelings with different people attending. But the big thing is we all want change. We want SCRAPS to be able to help the community and take in animals. Instead of saying let them go, they’ll find their way home,” said Elicia Spotts, a fired SCRAPS volunteer.
Spotts says she lost her job after standing up against the euthanasia of animals at the facility.
A SCRAPS volunteer who attended the town hall pleaded with attendees to consider volunteering for the organization, explaining that they are currently overwhelmed with an influx of animals.
SCRAPS has previously told KXLY that the rise in euthanasia is due to an increase in animals with behavioral issues that pose a risk to others.
“We’re hoping for change for all of the organizations to address behavioral assessment, because behavioral assessments being used at all of the shelters right now are not proactive,” Spotts said.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.