Pet euthanasia is the process of ending an animal’s life by using medical methods. It is an alternative option to natural death, which is used to end the extreme suffering of pets.
Pet parents always hope that their pets can be with them forever. However, pets get sick and get old in one day, and the day would be much earlier than humans do. In life, we always have to make hard decisions, such as deciding whether to end the lives of our pets in certain situations. Pet euthanasia is not killing, but it minimises their pain so they can leave peacefully. As a pet parent, you must make the best decision for your pet.
"I think it is good to have pet euthanasia because it helps to minimise their pain. At least the pets can be relieved from suffering at the end of their life."
Lai Sim Yi, 22, a TARUC student said. In her opinion, pet euthanasia exists for a reason, which is to help the pets end their pain so that they can leave peacefully. However, most people feel bad about pet euthanasia because it is about ending a pet’s life.
"We practise no pet euthanasia policy, we will just let the animals die naturally."
Kelvin, the General Manager of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) shared. He added that if the animal is in worse condition, the veterinarian will make the euthanasia decision. However, the centre is not offering pet euthanasia as a service.
"Pet parents are suffering too when their pet is in extremely bad condition, but they can’t do anything."
Goh Ee Han, 22, a UTAR student said. She is the pet parent of one dog and one cat. She mentioned pet euthanasia is good for both pet and their parent, if the pet parent has tried their best to treat the pet. In most cases, pet euthanasia really helps the pets relieve from suffering before the moment they die.
Does a pet parent have the right to end the life of their pet?
Law Hui San, 22, a graphic designer and pet parent of five hamsters, but one of them died a few months ago because of cancer. She said, “I did not decide to euthanise my pet, but I hoped she could go faster because I felt that she was in so much pain. Her tumour was spreading so fast, and she died 3 days after she had more than ten tumours in her body.” During these days, Law was suffering too because she could not imagine how painful it was to have more than ten tumours in the body. She felts relieved when her hamster passed away because this is how the suffering ends.
Law's hamster, who passed away a few months ago
"Yes, a pet parent has the right to end their pet’s life because pets can’t make their own decisions. Animals can’t talk, but we can still feel them through interaction and observation."
Law agreed with the statement. A pet parent can make the decision to end their pet’s life by observing their condition because a pet parent is the one who knows how their pet behaves in its normal condition. Pet parents should bring their pet to the veterinarian immediately when there is something wrong with their pet, to understand what happened to their pet.
What happens during pet euthanasia, is it painful?
"Pet euthanasia is a painless process."
We had an interview with Jonathan, 38, Public Relations Officer of Paws Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). "Firstly, a sedation dose will be given to put the pet to sleep, followed by a second dose to stop the heartbeat," he added. The entire process will be carried out very quickly by a veterinarian.
How much does it cost?
Jonathan mentioned that the fee of pet euthanasia ranged from RM180 to RM400 depending on the size of the animals. The fee includes cremation service. The price is only based on PAWS, it might cost more in other veterinary clinics.
In what circumstances should a pet be euthanised?
Carmen, 29, a creative designer and pet parent of a dog, Dudu. She had no choice and had to euthanise Dudu. "DuDu could not do anything because she was too old. Her mouth was full of corpse worms that made her unable to eat."
Carmen's dog, DuDu
“I felt bad for this, but I had to make this decision because I could not watch her suffer without doing anything.”
Carmen described the reasons behind this decision. Pet euthanasia can at least shorten DuDu’s suffering time.
According to Jonathan, PAWS does offer a euthanasia service for animals that are very old or sick, which causes them to be in extremely bad condition. Jonathan added that the centre euthanises animals that have a contagious disease or are aggressive. In addition, people should take their pets’ lives seriously. A final decision on pet euthanasia should be made by a veterinarian. Otherwise, the pet parent should continue to take care for their pets.
Grieving your pet
Law buried her hamster after her hamster’s death. She said that all she can do is give her hamster the best care during her life and after-life. “I am happy to be your parent and I have tried my best to treat you, now you can leave peacefully,” she grieved for her hamster.
Law's hamster
As a pet parent, people should take up the responsibilities of their pet not only during life but also after life. Loss of pets is a painful experience that may cause depression among pet parents. The grieving process is a time to say goodbye to pets and to ease the bereavement so that pet parents can continue with their lives.
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