Wildlife rehabilitation welfare extends to the release decision - animals released without adequate recovery face suffering and death that may exceed the welfare costs of euthanasia.
The welfare of rehabilitated wildlife does not end at release - it extends through the post-release period. Animals released into the wild without meeting clear fitness criteria face severe welfare risks. Releases performed for emotional rather than welfare reasons cause harm. Robust release criteria based on species-specific behavioural and physiological fitness are essential. Where criteria cannot be met, compassionate euthanasia is a welfare-positive outcome. Rehabilitators require support and training to make difficult release decisions without emotional pressure to release all animals regardless of fitness.