Behind the Bars: The Hidden Dangers of Medication in Animal Shelters

A Growing Crisis of Over-Reliance on Trazodone and Gabapentin Puts Shelter Animals at Risk

As a former Executive Director of three of the largest animal control programs in the United States, including the Animal Care Centers of New York City (ACC/NYC), I have witnessed firsthand the challenges of managing stress and anxiety in shelter animals. However, recent and recurring allegations of the misuse of medications like trazodone and gabapentin in shelters nationwide have raised serious ethical concerns and highlighted the need for transparency and reform.

I first reported on this potential abuse in April (The Use of Trazodone and Gabapentin in Shelter Animals) and May (Troubling Allegations of Medication Misuse at NYC Animal Care Centers) of last year. Since then, the use of these medications has reportedly increased at an alarming rate. According to one whistleblower:

“Three times a week, ACC posts their list of At-Risk dogs (& cats). All their behavioral and medical notes are posted and you will see literally every dog is put on Traz (and/or gabapentin) ‘indefinitely’. I've also obtained records for dogs who are not At Risk. All those dogs have also been on it. So, dogs have come in with no observed behavioral issues or no issues reported by owner, and they will still be put on these drugs.”

The Rise of Medication Use in Shelters

Trazodone and gabapentin, originally designed for human use, have become increasingly popular in animal shelters to manage anxiety and stress. While these medications can offer relief, their widespread use has sparked controversy. Critics argue that shelters are relying too heavily on pharmacological interventions as a quick fix for behavioral issues, rather than addressing underlying causes through comprehensive behavioral support and enrichment programs.

In New York City, the use of these medications has reportedly increased at an disquieting rate. Sources indicate that dogs experiencing side effects from these medications are sometimes labeled as "sick" and euthanized, raising grave ethical concerns. This trend is not unique to NYC; similar practices have been reported in large shelters across the United States.

Ethical Concerns and Animal Welfare

The over-reliance on medication in shelters poses significant ethical risks. By masking behavioral issues rather than addressing them, shelters may inadvertently create more problems than they solve. Dogs that are medicated to appear more adoptable may exhibit severe behavioral issues once the medication is stopped, leading to returns and potential euthanasia.

Moreover, the long-term effects of these medications on animal health are not fully understood. Common side effects include drowsiness, sedation, and aggression, which can impact an animal's ability to adapt to shelter life and interact with potential adopters. The combination of trazodone and gabapentin can also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Case Studies Highlighting Concerns

The following case studies are based on documentation obtained from Animal Care Centers of New York City, which detail the use of trazodone and gabapentin in shelter dogs. These examples illustrate concerns about the potential misuse of these medications and their impact on animal welfare.

• Mamas: This 7-month-old puppy was placed on both trazodone and gabapentin without clear justification for the additional medication. There was no documentation of her behavior to justify such a regimen, raising concerns about unnecessary over-medication.

• Ace: Despite being on trazodone for three months, Ace showed no reduction in behavioral issues such as over-arousal and dog reactivity. This suggests that medication alone may not be effective in addressing underlying behavioral problems.

• Precious: A week after starting trazodone, Precious began exhibiting worse behaviors, including leash biting and snapping at handlers. This indicates that medication can sometimes exacerbate behavioral issues rather than alleviate them.

• Caprese Rico: This dog continued to show fearful behavior despite being on trazodone, highlighting the medication's ineffectiveness in some cases. Additionally, trazodone is not recommended for dogs with heart issues, which Caprese Rico had, further complicating its use.

• Dionne: Dionne's behavior was inconsistent while on trazodone, with periods of improvement followed by increased reactivity. This inconsistency underscores the need for careful monitoring and adjustment of medication regimens.

• K.C.: This dog was placed on trazodone despite showing no behavioral issues, illustrating potential misuse of medication as a preventative measure rather than a therapeutic one.

• Mushka: Mushka showed no improvement in behavior after starting trazodone, indicating that medication alone may not address underlying issues.

These case studies were compiled from internal shelter records and highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to managing stress and anxiety in shelter animals, one that balances medication use with comprehensive behavioral support and enrichment programs.

The Need for Oversight and Reform

To address these concerns, shelters must prioritize transparency and accountability. A thorough investigation into the use of medications like trazodone and gabapentin is essential to ensure that these drugs are used responsibly and ethically.

Furthermore, shelters should focus on evidence-based behavioral modification programs, staff training, and volunteer engagement to address the root causes of behavioral issues. This holistic approach not only improves animal welfare but also enhances adoptability by fostering more confident and well-adjusted animals.

A Call to Action

I urge shelter staff and volunteers to report any misuse or unethical practices. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that animal shelters uphold the highest standards of care and ethics. By advocating for policy reforms and stricter oversight, we can protect the welfare of shelter animals and maintain public trust.

As animal welfare professionals, we have a moral obligation to prioritize the well-being of the animals in our care. It is time for shelters to move beyond quick fixes and embrace comprehensive strategies that truly support the emotional and behavioral health of shelter animals.

Additional Reading:

The Use of Trazodone and Gabapentin in Shelter Animals

Troubling Allegations of Medication Misuse at NYC Animal Care Centers

Ed Boks is a former Executive Director of the New York City, City of Los Angeles, and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Departments, and a former Board Director of the National Animal Control Association. His work has been published in the LA Times, New York Times, Newsweek, Real Clear Policy, Sentient Media, and now on Animal Politics with Ed Boks.

Stay Informed

For more analysis and updates on the evolving landscape of animal welfare policy, visit Animal Politics with Ed Boks.