He most likely wasn’t. 95% of animals in shelters are euthanized. Not condemning you but did you try to give kitty away? I have had a gazillion strays come to my yard and I have got on my local radio trading program and given them away, or found them homes with friends or relatives. We have 3 cats and 3 dogs, all of them strays, and they do cramp our style a bit. We have to hire a petsitter to stay at our house while we go on vacation, etc, but I love them and feel good knowing we saved them from almost certain death. And they bring us so much joy.
Gee thanks, now I really feel bad. Poor little guy.
We didn't really try to give him away but did ask around with the neighbors to see if anyone was missing a kitten - and if not, would they be interested in him.
It's sparsely populated out here so short of placing an ad and having strangers come around, the shelter was our best choice.
I try not to be too sentimental about animals but sometimes you have to make tough decisions that are no fault of your own.
As an aside, the shelter worker said they worked in conjunction with private animal rescue groups and that it was possible he would find a home. But who knows.