Euthanasia?

Question

Why is it consider cruel not to put down a sick dog or cat but is criminal to do the same for an old and/or sick person.

Answer 1

I had to euthanize my dog because she was very sick with cancer and other treatments had failed. The day she would not eat or drink, I knew she was in too much pain. She didn't like to be petted, and I could not get her to move all day because her body shut down.

I don't think it was cruel to put her to sleep. She was with us for more than 13 years, and she was a wonderful part of our family.

Because she was suffering so much, I knew she would not get better. The humane thing to do was let her go.

It didn't mean that we did not love her. It was not cruel. We took her to the vet and stayed with her until she closed her eyes.

Even though we cried for many months later, it was the best decision for her. Otherwise, she would have died because she couldn't eat.

Our society dictates by law that euthanasia is illegal. Whether we believe that it is right or wrong is a moot point. Perhaps, lawmakers should look at the logic in this case. Does it mean we have less compassion for our loved ones who are sick than our animals who are dying?

Answer 2

It defers from country to contry. Some counties allow it of human being or pets. some do not.Euthanasia is the process of painlessly helping a terminally ill person to die. Known also as assisted suicide or mercy killing, euthanasia is illegal for humans in the United States. Generally, euthanasia is performed by lethal injection, using the same drugs as those on death row are executed.

Like abortion, the debate about assisted suicide is a heated one. Many argue that quality of life is an issue, while those on the other side believe life must be preserved at all costs. The arguments from both sides are of both moral and legal ramifications.

Several foreign countries including the Netherlands and Belgium allow euthanasia to be performed on patients if certain conditions, such as chronic pain associated with an incurable illness, are met. In India it is being permited now. Here stray pets are also caught and killed by Government.

Animals, especially dogs and cats, are routinely and humanely put to death in many animal shelters when homes for them cannot be found. It is also a common practice for owners of elderly pets to have their beloved animal put down when their pain makes the dog or cat's life unbearable. Farmers have always practiced putting any animal out of their misery, when they know the animal cannot be healed.Euthanasia is a volatile issue for many, especially as the baby boomer generation ages.

IN MY OPINION FOR BOTH HUMANS AND PETS IT SHOULD BE ALLOWED IN TERMINAL CASES TO ELIMINATE THEIR SUFFERING. -

Answer 3

This is a very difficult question. I had a beloved dog for 14 years. She lost condition, she dragged her back legs, she began to wee and poo wherever she was without knowing. We had already struggled to pay vet bills. I hoped she would die peacefully in her sleep without me having to make that awful decision. Sadly she would not eat or drink and she hated me trying to squirt water down her throat. I just knew it was time for Tam to die. She may have stayed alive for weeks and gone into a coma and died by herself but that would have been an undignified end to her life. And cruel to us and her. The vet came...we told her we loved her and that she was the best dog in the world. The vet said she wouldn't be feeling anything after he gave her the injection. But just then she thumped her tail three times and I believe it was relief from all her pain. I feel good about that decision although we all shed so many tears. I feel I did what was right for Tam and for us.
However I don't think the same way about humans. Mainly because I am a Christian and believe God should be the one to decide when it is time for a person to die. Sometimes people linger a long time and i think sometimes it is for the person dying to reach a certain place in their mind or for loved ones to say goodbye and let go. I think there are too many ways legal euthanasia could be abused in humans resulting in people getting rid of others or people- who will wake up eventually- having their machines turned off. There are lots of accounts of people seemingly brain dead recovering and saying that they heard a discussion and thought "Don't turn the machine off!" . Many people die because doctors with-hold treatment or fluids,(that if continued would keep someone alive),being stopped or machines artificially keeping someone alive, who is in fact brain dead. Its an awesome responsibility to place on anyone.
Some people say, "People in terrible pain should be assisted to die" but pain relief is available that virtually stops this from being a problem. But its not a simple clear-cut thing. Medicine is advancing every year and cures are now possible that did not exist before. I think we should not act as God in the case of humans but trust God that he has the wisest and best time for a person's death, sorted out perfectly for each one. But I am certainly not convinced either way in all the real-life examples that confront people. And after research... see that there are so many different circumstances and examples that it is almost impossible to make a law that covers all eventualities. But I am interested in others' thoughts on this one.

Answer 4

People are viewed and valued at a higher level than animals which doesn't make it anymore right. However, I think it is cruel to prolong a person's life who is severely sick when the ultimate outcome is death. It is selfish and inhumane to have a person suffer and die a slow death. If it is a person's decision to self euthanis and discontinue the suffering then it should be their right. I feel strongly for it based on seeing people who have suffered deadly illnesses.

Answer 5

The difference is cognitive ability. Most people reason that a sick dog or cat does not know what death is. An human being knows about death. They should have the right to chose when they want to die. Or with careful protection give that permission to a designated friend.

Answer 6

I think it should be a personal choice for humans. People who are sick and in pain with no chance of recovery should have the option to die in peace with their friends and family around them, on their own terms.

Strangely, I cannot say the same for animals. As they cannot tell me they are ready to die, I feel wrong taking their life away from them. My personal choice.

Answer 7

i think euthanasia is cruel, whether it's for human or animals.

our lives are very precious, and NOBODY has the right to end a life like that....

in my opinion, euthanasia is just as equal to murder and abortion