Euthanasia

Statement 

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) strongly supports the practice of euthanasia of companion animals in practice when a sufficiently good quality of life cannot be maintained.

The BSAVA does not support perpetuation of an animal's life when the expectation that it will suffer outweighs a small probability that treatment may provide benefits.

The BSAVA supports the autonomy of the practitioner to refuse euthanasia for mere convenience, when there are alternative options such as the owner signing the animal over to the veterinary surgeon or a rescue organisation. However, the decision to euthanise the animal should be appropriate to the actual situation and realistic prospects of the animal. This may include the limitations of the owner to provide further treatment, and the limitations of rescue centres to rehome animals.

The BSAVA recommends that euthanasia, the act of producing painless death, is best performed by the injection of an overdose of a barbiturate solution, under the direction of a veterinary surgeon. When dealing with a frightened or vicious animal, a pre-medicant may be used before injecting the barbiturate. Other methods are not recommended except in emergency situations where mercy killing is necessary. 

Background information

The act of euthanasia should aim to avoid suffering, including pain, while also achieving a timely death without undue delay.

Provenance 

Approval: BSAVA Council as Policy Statement No. 11 ( Euthanasia of dogs and cats) 1999. Updated 2006.
Recent Update: 2013