British pet massacre

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The British pet massacre was an event in 1939 in which an estimated 750,000 cats and dogs, a quarter of England's pet population, were euthanized due to widespread fear among owners that they would not be able to care for their animals during wartime. The incident was recognized as unnecessary almost immediately after it occurred, stemming from social panic over the impending war, social conflicts on the role of pets, and people seeking a way to feel like they were contributing to the war effort, rather than any sort of actual necessity. A government pamphlet advising pet owners on wartime animal care provided some encouragement for the killing, noting euthanasia an option for people unable to take their pets with them when evacuating.

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