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Rather topical at the moment the issue of assisted suicide. In the background as I type I am watching the Richard Dimbleby Lecture with Terry Pratchett who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. He wants the right to have his life ended in a humane way when the time comes when he can no longer function.
I am starting this poll, mainly out of curiosity. You may (or maynot) know that Vets have a very high suicide rate, there are a number of postulated reasons for that but the one that (in my oppinion) that holds most weight is that we see it as a viable, humane end. Today I have put three animals to sleep. Two were old and not able to function properly, one has sustained such a severe injury that treatment would not have saved her life. In a bizzare paradox putting animals to sleep is both the best and the worst part of my job - the way I can relive an animal from its suffering and it goes off to a peaceful sleep I find a relief and a privilege.
So often people tell me (as their pet peacefully slips off to sleep) of their grandparent/friend/relative who was kept going for weeks/months/years unable to function, soiling themselves, becoming a vegetable in a nursing home. If you had a pet that was suffering and you didn't have it put to sleep (assuming there was no other way of relieving said suffering) the RSPCA would support a prosecution for cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
I am really interested in what you guys think about this.
Please can people keep this thread polite - it is a sensitive subject. I have contacted Admin 2 seeking permission to post this thread. Do keep it nice
I am starting this poll, mainly out of curiosity. You may (or maynot) know that Vets have a very high suicide rate, there are a number of postulated reasons for that but the one that (in my oppinion) that holds most weight is that we see it as a viable, humane end. Today I have put three animals to sleep. Two were old and not able to function properly, one has sustained such a severe injury that treatment would not have saved her life. In a bizzare paradox putting animals to sleep is both the best and the worst part of my job - the way I can relive an animal from its suffering and it goes off to a peaceful sleep I find a relief and a privilege.
So often people tell me (as their pet peacefully slips off to sleep) of their grandparent/friend/relative who was kept going for weeks/months/years unable to function, soiling themselves, becoming a vegetable in a nursing home. If you had a pet that was suffering and you didn't have it put to sleep (assuming there was no other way of relieving said suffering) the RSPCA would support a prosecution for cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
I am really interested in what you guys think about this.
Please can people keep this thread polite - it is a sensitive subject. I have contacted Admin 2 seeking permission to post this thread. Do keep it nice