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We stopped a shelter from killing cats for being too “feral”

In Summit County, Ohio, the local animal shelter was killing cats it deemed too “feral” — sometimes the same day they arrived. These cats weren’t evaluated or protected. Some were killed in violation of the shelter’s own outdated policy.

Through public records requests, Alley Cat Allies uncovered disturbing evidence: improper euthanasia methods, including underdosing or otherwise misusing euthanasia drugs.

“The Summit County Animal Control Department is a law enforcement entity meant to uphold the laws,” said DanaMarie Pannella, Alley Cat Allies attorney. “Instead, it is improperly and inhumanely ‘euthanizing’ animals and killing cats for simply being deemed ‘feral.’”

We filed a lawsuit in December 2024 to stop this cruelty. Now, thanks to your support, the shelter has ceased impounding and killing community cats.
Our lawsuit remains active. We continue to push for systemic change to protect cats — including reforms to recordkeeping, shelter practices, and public accountability.

This case is a powerful example of how your support helps us stand up to inhumane institutions — and win.