This thread discusses the Content article: Euthanasia: A Moral Dilemma - is it EVER Right to Have a Healhy Dog Put Down?

With relation to my article on euthanasing healthy animals I thought it would be interesting to have a discussion on the topic.

Some key questions.

When if ever is it appropriate to destroy a healthy dog?

If never, what are the alternatives?

How does a person make the decision that the 'right' thing to do is to have the dog put to sleep?

Hi folks!

When if ever is it appropriate to destroy a healthy dog?

It is rarely appropriate but often necessary.

What is classed as healthy? Physically healthy? Mentally healthy?
Often dogs behave abnormally in kennels and this behaviour is more apparent in certain breeds. IME, collies, GSD's and Staffies are the worst sufferers. Symptoms of kennel stress can range from extreme to severe and can manifest in several different ways: spinning, tail chasing, excessive barking, licking walls,excessive weight loss, biting walls and digging until paws are bleeding.
In a kennel environment the potential for a dog to be rehomed must be weighed up against the welfare of any given dog. E.G. Is the dog due to be rehomed soon? Is there any chance the dog will be rehomed? Is the dog developing abnormal habits that may never be resolved? Is the dog losing weight?


Scenario
You work in a rescue kennels which are full to bursting. You receive a telephone call regarding a litter of pups that have been neglected. You have no space to take them in nor does anyone else. What do you do? Do you put a healthy adult dog to sleep? Do you put the litter of pups to sleep?


If never, what are the alternatives?

The main reasons for rescues being so full are down to several things: Neglect, cruelty, injury, abandonment, poor training, inappropriate breeding,strays, behaviour problems and inappropriate dogs chosen by owners.
Unless all these points can be addressed there is always going to be a need for euthansia of 'healthy' dogs.
Compulsory spay neutering (there may be some exceptions on behaviour grounds) and more guidance on basic training.
People often give up at the first hurdle and claim they have 'A stupid dog'. Education, IMO is key but it is difficult when people already know everything!


How does a person make the decision that the 'right' thing to do is to have the dog put to sleep?

The decision should always be _base_d on what is best for the dog or on a balance of the pros and cons of an dog needing a kennel space and how desperately it's needed. Luckily I am rarely put in this situation and it's never a decision taken lightly or without remorse. IMO the welfare of the dog is paramount and if the welfare is found wanting then euthansia may have to be a consideration. It is always a last resort.



I think I'm going to like it here......it's very spacious.

I am totally against euthanasia because this act is a rejection of the value and importance of life.

Dogs, like human beings, should have the right to die with dignity!


That's all.

-andrei
dog agility equipment-4less.com

what about living with dignity?