Euthanasia

EUTHANASIA

  • Euthanasia is the production of quiet, painless death in an animal for humane reasons.
  • It is performed for the hopeless cases, when the treatment would be in effective and the animal is suffering severe pain.
  • Owners, request to euthanize animals, if the animals have behaviour problems. It the owners no longer wish to own the said animal.
  • Veterinarians should not advocate or recommend euthanasia in any specific case. They should present the alternatives and try to give the client, the facts upon which to make a decision. The decision to euthanize an animal is the ultimate responsibility of the owner.
  • In addition to client relations and ethical problems which may occur in a case terminating in euthanasia the veterinarian should consider the legal implications. Prime importance is to obtain the consent of the rightful owner or authorized agent in writing on a consent form. Failure to obtain owner and or insurer permission invites a lawsuit.
  • Veterinarian has a legal obligation to euthanize an animal.
  • Owner retains all property rights to the animals body and may either remove it or ask the veterinarian to dispose of.
  • Before euthanasia is performed, it has to e ascertained that the animal involved in indeed the one to be euthanized.
  • Selection of the method of euthanasia is dependant upon the
    • Species of the animal
    • Available means of control of the animal
    • Numbers of animals
    • Economic considerations
    • Wishes of the owner
  • Selection-method of euthanasia points to be considered
    • Method should produce death without pain
    • Time to produce unconsciousness and death should be short
    • Method should be reliable.
    • Method should minimize undesirable psychological stress
    • Method should be compatible with its purpose
    • Should minimize the emotional effect upon observes and operators
    • Should be economically feasible
    • Should have a restricted environmental impact
    • Should be safe for the personnel involved
  • Need for euthanasia:- In hopeless cases, to alleviate pain and suffering of animals.
  • Pre requistic for euthanasia:- Consent of the owner, who has all the property rights of the body of the animal.
  • Points to be kept in mind while selecting the method of euthanasia
  • The method should be Economical Reliable and Should produce death in a very short period without causing pain to the animal.
Last modified: Tuesday, 5 June 2012, 10:49 AM