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Animal services manager: owner-request euthanasia covered by proposed ordinance; adoption placement possible

Arlington City Council · December 9, 2025

Summary

Ashley Wollano, animal services manager, told council the proposed euthanasia ordinance applies to owner-requested euthanasia and allows staff to place suitable animals into adoption programs; council members asked about safeguards for animals surrendered for financial reasons.

Ashley Wollano, the city’s animal services manager, briefed the council on proposed amendments to the animal chapter related to euthanasia requests.

Wollano said the ordinance applies to animals brought in by their owners where the owner requests euthanasia. "This euthanasia ordinance only affects animals that are being brought to us by the owners where the owners are requesting us to euthanize them for them," Wollano said.

Council members raised concerns about potential owner‑surrender of healthy animals for financial reasons and asked whether the ordinance would require staff to attempt placement in adoption programs before euthanasia. Wollano answered that staff can move owner‑surrendered animals into adoption programs if the animal is suitable and that most owner‑requested euthanasia cases involve animals with behavior or medical concerns.

The committee will present the ordinance amendments on the evening agenda for further council consideration.

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