Full statement: 

The Humane Society of Elkhart County does not condone any form of inhumane treatment toward any animal.

The American Veterinary Medical Association defines humane euthanasia as a rapid, painless, and distress-free death. Crushing an animal in a compactor is not an approved method of humane euthanasia and does not meet any accepted standards. Legality does not always mean humanity.

While this case may or may not meet the legal definition of criminal abuse, it was not humane euthanasia. No animal-feral or otherwise-should die in fear and pain.

This tragedy reveals a troubling gap between what is legal and what is ethical. We urge our community and lawmakers to pursue more defined standards and more humane responses in all animal cases.

As an open-admission shelter, the Humane Society of Elkhart County accepts all stray animals from within Elkhart County, in accordance with our animal control contract. We remain committed to advocating for a safe and supportive environment for every animal that comes through our doors and in our community.