Ethical Dilemmas in Euthanasia of Small Companion Animals

Abstract

Animal ethics is a complex subject, and only recently the concern about the moral status and rights of non hu- man animals, is subject of debate. In this paper I will deal mostly with the ethics in deciding euthanasia in the small ani- mal clinical setting. My purpose is to lay out some issues about animal euthanasia, with the hope of helping veterinarians to analyze the relevant ethical concerns, as this is a field of the veterinary practice in which there are many conflicts for taking the right decision and justifying the election. Euthanasia of small companion animals is a highly stressful situation for veterinarians and may be source of ethical dilemmas. The final choice must prioritize the benefit for the patient while respecting the owner s freedom of choice.