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Does an Owner have to consent to Euthanasia? PetPlanet Vets PPAdmin pettalk@petplanet.co.uk |
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Dear Jennie, First let me say how sorry I am that you have lost your dog, especially if you were not there at the time. It must have been a terrible shock for you. I do not know what country you are in and I am not a legal person, so I'm afraid that I cannot advise you of what is legal in your country. I can say that in the UK, if an owner of an animal has entrusted the care of their pet to someone, then that person can sign a consent form for surgery or euthanasia on behalf of the owner, if that is the best thing for the animal. I am sure that no one would have an animal put to sleep if they did not think it was the kindest thing to do. Likewise a vet would not put a pet down unless they really felt it was the right thing to do for that animal. So often, I see owners who cannot bear to have their beloved pet put down, even when the animal is suffering. Often afterwards they regret prolonging their pets suffering for their own sake, but it is too late to undo it. {Forgive me for being presumptuous when I have no idea of the circumstances involved here} You need to speak to your vet and whoever was looking after your dog to try to find out what has happened. If she was ill, she may well have died. It is quite a normal part of the grieving process to try to find a reason, or someone to blame when an animal we love dies unexpectedly. I am sure whoever was looking after her wanted to do whatever was best for your dog, as would your vet. Hope this is of some help, Maeve Moorcroft MVB MRCVS { PetPlanet Vet }
Pets | Cats | Dogs |
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