What is humane killing or euthanasia?

Animals just like humans get terminal sickness or conditions that are incurable yet they cause so much pain and suffering. They may also be born with or develop conditions that will make their lives so difficult leading to distress and suffering.

Some other domestic animals like dogs may be too aggressive that they cannot be handled even by their owners, causing attacks and injuries to humans, other animals and properties. These are some of the reasons that leads us to making hard decisions of making animals to go to sleep permanently, a procedure called euthanasia.

Sweet Death

Euthanasia is a scientific term derived from two Greek words, ‘eu’ meaning ‘well’ or ‘sweet’ and ‘thanatos’, meaning ‘death’. Therefore, euthanasia means ‘sweet death’. It is the intentional process of ending the life of an animal to relieve it from pain and suffering. It is also called” humane killing”, ‘mercy killing’, or known by euphemisms such as ‘putting an animal to sleep’, ‘putting an animal down’ or ‘resting an animal’.

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In this article, more reference is made to pets especially dogs and cats in the Kenyan context although other animal cases may generally apply.

Reasons for euthanasia

Reasons that may lead to making the hard decision of euthanasia include:

1. An incurable illness that cause pain and suffering to an animal. These could be diseases like cancer, major organ failure e.g. kidney, liver or pancreas which have been diagnostically confirmed.
2. Conditions that cause suffering and reduced quality of life. These could be congenital disorders like heart conditions, accidents that may lead to an animal not fending for itself, exposing it to danger and the owner may not afford or offer alternative aid. For instance, bilateral blindness or where more than one limb is severely damaged.
3. Old age may be another reason for considering euthanasia. Old age can cause animals to lose major body functions yet stay alive for a long time. This lowers their quality of life and therefore putting them down helps to alleviate the suffering they may be going through.
4. Undesired animal behaviors such as extreme aggression in dogs that have previously mauled and caused grievous bodily harm to humans and animals may be rested to protect humans and other animals’ health.
5. Coup de grace whereby a quick decision is made and action taken to put an animal down when it is perceived that it will not survive e.g. in cases of a fatal accident like massive head injury.

Methods of euthanasia

Whichever method of euthanasia is used, bio-ethically it must ensure that the animal dies or first achieves unconsciousness within the shortest time possible (usually within 30 seconds), with minimum or nil pain, no struggling, without mutilating its physical body and safety to humans, animals and the environment.

The methods can be physical e.g. shooting or chemical e.g. intravenous injection. The most commonly practiced method worldwide and in Kenya is the chemical method which is only one done by licensed practicing veterinarians. This is preferred because it perfectly meets all the characteristics described above more so; it does not mutilate the animal’s body and it is safe.

The specific medicine used to euthanize animals is strictly handled by licensed veterinarians who must keep it under lock and key to prevent exposure to un-intended use or unauthorized persons. In pets for example an injection (mostly intravenous but also intra-peritoneum, intra-cardiac) is given and the animal dies within about 30 seconds. For uncooperative animals, an anesthesia can be given to restrain, avoiding struggling and anxiety.

The need for consultation

Before a decision is made on euthanasia, there should be wide consultation by considering perspectives from different persons especially where a pet e.g. a family dog is involved:

1. The Veterinarians’ opinion

The Vet will be the most critical person to consult. He/she will advise on the situation at hand. Once the Vet recommends euthanasia, he/she should be able to explain the procedure and advice on other options if available and give the owners a chance to decide the most appropriate in the prevailing scenario.

2. The owner’s opinion

The immediate owner should be given a chance to express their views on the prescribed euthanasia. By this time, the owner should have observed the dog’s expression of pain, suffering and distress due to illness or infirmity. The owner’s views carry the most weight in the decision to be made concerning euthanasia and mostly what the owner says happens.

3. Family and friends’ opinion

It is very crucial to inform family members, friends and everybody else who knew the dog about the decision to euthanize. Members who may be far from home for instance in other countries for studies or work who knew and cared for the dog should be informed and allowed to give opinions.

4. Prevailing beliefs

Some beliefs prohibit euthanasia with the argument that death should happen without intentional involvement. These beliefs include religion, tradition, culture, individual personal belief or moral beliefs. Sometimes the environment where the person lives may influence the decision for or against euthanasia e.g. prevailing laws of the land. These should also be factored in when making a decision.

After euthanasia, the carcass should be appropriately disposed to avert danger to the environment and animals since the chemical used is lethal even within the carcass. The best mode of disposal is incineration or burial in a deep hole whereby scavengers like birds cannot access the cadaver.

-This article is adapted from Animal Focus Magazine Vol. 4, No. 11 by Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA).