pet connection

Over on the always-outstanding Dolittler blog, Dr. Patty is discussing “convenience” euthanasia and the veterinarian’s role in it — in other words, what happens when someone brings in a healthy pet to be killed because of reasons other than health? It’s a hot controversy in veterinary medicine, dividing practice-owning veterinarians from employee veterinarians, older veterinarians from younger ones, and (although Dr. P doesn’t mention this) I’m guessing there’s some gender issues, too. (Older veterinarians are primarily men, while more recent graduates are primarily women.)

From Dolittler:

Because the role of pets in our lives has shifted from property to family (if not legally then at least in terms of how we care for them), coupled with the increasing influence of mainstream animal rights in our profession, more vets are taking a strong stand against what we perceive to be inhumane or unethical treatment.

[...]

I know what you’re thinking, my dear readers. What could possibly qualify as a defensible reason for euthanizing a healthy pet? How could anyone (least of all, a vet!) defend killing healthy animals for the sake of expediency?

For her answers, read on.

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