Is it Ethical to Euthanize a Healthy Pet?
Published February 7, 2012
Given this frightening situation, some pet owners will ask their veterinarian to euthanize their pet if a suitable home is not found within a specified period of time. But is this plan to end their beloved pet’s life really fair to the animal, or is it just the owners’ selfish means of dealing with their concern about their pet’s future?
In Ariel Kaminer’s recent column "A Dog's Right to Life”, appearing in the online New York Times Magazine, Kaminer explores this very dilemma. After consulting with animal liberation advocate Peter Singer, she arrived at the conclusion that, though it may seem at first like those pet owners who make the request to euthanize their pet are condemning their pets to the most "capricious of death sentences”, the owner's actions, in actuality, reflect the most human of fears, as they are just "trying, however misguidedly, to get their affairs in order."
Since finding suitable homes for elderly or aggressive pets can be extremely difficult, some veterinarians feel humane euthanasia requested by the owner is the kindest way to assure their pet will not be surrendered to a shelter–where euthanasia is a likely prospect anyway.
On the other hand, Kaminer offers those veterinarians who are ethically uncomfortable with requests for unnecessary and untimely euthanasia the advice to simply guarantee that the pet will be adopted into a loving home.
But is Kaminer’s advice more ethical than humane euthanasia? Is it fair to simply give the owner peace of mind by promising that the pet will find a loving home, even if that prospect cannot be guaranteed?
Without a doubt it is difficult to think about our own mortality. Yet, when coupled with concerns of who will take care of our beloved pets when we no longer can, it can become unbearable.
Considering these circumstances, do you think it is ethical to euthanize a healthy pet? Share your thoughts in a comment.
Shortly after retiring as a social worker and psychotherapist, I discovered my "writer's voice"…
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Comments (28)
What I think most people don't consider is that none of us who make arrangements to have our pets cared for after we die has any idea whatsoever what will really happen to them. And those who have put it in their wills or trusts, please be aware that the vet may refuse your request after you're dead. Best to find out beforehand. I'm involved in animal rescue and have seen pets go from the deceased owner to a trusted home then to a shelter then to rescue then to a home then back to the shelter. For me what is key is that no one, including myself, can guarantee my senior cats will not suffer the stress and trauma that may happen after I die. I know that my hope for my pets to be euthanized at my death is based on my love and concern for their lives, even after I'm gone. It is not a selfish act. After talking to my vet and doing research, it is going to be difficult to find someone to help us. For now, all I can do is hope my sweeties die before I do.
One should make arrangements for the care of their pets while they are alive. I have two cats and have already discussed this issue with a very close friend. In the event I have cats when I cross she will take responsibility for them. I am looking to arrange a back up plan in the event that this friend is unable to keep them. This way it is a settled matter. If the animal is aged and sickly and no one can care for the animal that is something different but as far as I am concerned euthanasia for a well pet, like a well person, is just murder.