Human Error Led to Rescued Dogs' Euthanasia: DAS

Dallas Animal Services determined human error led to the accidental euthanasia of four rescued dogs on New Year's Day.

The four Aussie mixes were going to end up in foster homes, after a total of 27 were rescued from a possible hoarding situation, but two days later they were put down by mistake.

Shelter officials said on Friday that the euthanasia was not done on purpose, but proper protocols were not followed.

"These lives were lost as a result of human error," said Dr. Cate McManus, operations manager for DAS.

McManus, a veterinarian, and Jody Jones, a manager in the DAS department, were not able to elaborate more on what safety protocols weren't followed. They said human resources still needed to get involved and prevented them from releasing more details.

"There are safeguards within the daily intake procedures and outcome procedures for the division that would have safeguarded against these animals from being inappropriately euthanized," Jones said in a news conference. "If they had been followed, to the changes that have been made, then yes these animals would still be alive today."

DAS also cannot say yet how many employees might have been involved.

"The issue with the employees was not intentional, as I said it was truly human error," Jones said.

Still, shelter leaders said they will take steps to prevent his from happening again, including a review of standard operating procedures, how to add safeguards in computer software, training and improved communication.

"Making sure that there's no opportunities for error within those protocols, looking at how we can tighten them up," McManus said.

Megan Serrano is one of the women who helped rescue the dogs from a hoarder around Christmas. She said they were able to find 18 of 27 dogs foster homes. They were working to find more homes with the animals in the DAS shelter until that could happen. She said they grieve the loss of the dogs, but are glad to hear the city plans to take action.

"I'm very happy with that answer. I think we all want accountability," Serrano said. "I need to be held accountable for my part in this, and I'm extremely pleased with Dallas Animal Services for taking accountability on their part."

Serrano said she understands mistakes can be made, by anyone, and is looking forward to helping the shelter in the future as it works to prevent future accidents.

"It's extremely reassuring," she said. "It should be reassuring to individuals, rescue groups and the community."

For the shelter, it hopes to re-build trust with the community after what it says it failed the dogs and let down the community.

"We love animals and we want to take care of them," McManus said. "And we want the public's trust, and we know we're going to have to regain that now after this situation has happened."

It's unclear if any employees involved could face discipline for the mistake. A final and full report is expected after city human resources gets involved.