The Maui Humane Society said it is stretched beyond its limits and is considering euthanizing “at-risk” dogs in order to create more space, according to a news release. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Maui Humane Society is posting on its website which dogs are considered at risk for being euthanized

  • The animal shelter currently has 140 dogs in its care, but only 40 kennels

  • The rate of adoptions is not nearly high enough for all the dogs in need of forever homes

  • The shelter is asking people to help by adopting and fostering dogs

The Maui Humane Society is posting on its website which dogs are considered at risk for being euthanized with a red banner in the corner of their photo. At-risk animals may have behavioral issues, mental suffering, or chronic medical issues. Currently, Princess, Kuhio, Odie, Brutus and Manny all have a red at-risk banner. 

“We are at a point of having to make decisions, but none of the animals that are on our euthanasia list have been euthanized,” Katie Shannon, a spokesperson for the Maui Humane Society, told Spectrum News Hawaii in an email. 

However, the animal shelter performs euthanasia if an animal is suffering, according to Shannon. 

The shelter said in a news release that the rate of adoptions is not nearly high enough for all the dogs in need of forever homes. The animal shelter is asking people to help by adopting and fostering dogs.

The animal shelter has 140 dogs in its care but only 40 kennels. That’s more than three dogs for every kennel. Every day, the Maui Humane Society receives up to five stray dogs. 

Currently, there is a waitlist to surrender animals. About 40% of people surrendering animals say it is due to a lack of pet-friendly housing on Maui. 

Shannon told Spectrum News Hawaii in February for an article about shelters being full that a lack of pet-friendly housing and the state’s high cost of living are fueling the problem. 

“Pet friendly housing is insanely expensive on Maui and there are barely any pet friendly accommodations for rent,” said Shannon.

The Maui Humane Society flies dogs to mainland shelters through the Wings of Aloha program, but animal shelters across the U.S. are also seeing a rise of pets in need of homes, and increased restrictions from airlines on pets flying are making this option less workable. 

For adoptions, the Maui Humane Society has a 10-day adoption trial program called “Paws-to-Adopt.” The Maui Humane Society also runs a short-term foster program called “SOS Foster,” which provides all necessary supplies. This program allows Maui visitors staying in dog-friendly accommodations, part-time residents or anyone looking for a no-commitment pet to foster.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.

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