Daytona, FL – On Thursday, a Florida animal shelter announced an “operational shift” that impacts all dogs with a known bite history. According to a news release from the Halifax Humane Society, dogs with a “known propensity” for aggressive behavior, or who have a documented bite, will no longer be placed – they will be euthanized instead.

The animal welfare agency explains:

This will result in the euthanasia of dogs in our care currently, or in the future, that meet these parameters. It is our responsibility as a leader of animal welfare in our area to continue to place animals while prioritizing the best interest of the community and public safety.

According to Halifax Humane, this operational shift was made to ensure public safety, and to protect the shelter from being “crippled or shut down” if an adopted dog, with a known bite history, were to hurt someone. Though the agency is aware that this change is upsetting to many people, they ask for the public’s continued support, writing:

We understand the emotional impact the loss of lives has on everyone reading or hearing about this. In turn, please understand the impact these decisions have on our staff and volunteers who care for and dedicate our lives to these animals daily. We ask for your continued support to further the mission for the sake of the thousands of animals Halifax Humane Society continues to save annually.

The majority of the people commenting on the shelter’s Facebook post have expressed anger and dismay over the decision. A sampling of comments can be found below.

Another:

And:

Some people DID express understanding for the difficult decision:

You can weigh in on the discussion, or read more, at this link to Facebook.