Is euthanasia without sedative cruel?

Change leaves county without powerful drug

By ERIN COX, Staff Writer

Capital Gazette Communications

Published 02/03/08

Staff at the county's animal control facility never liked euthanasia.

Paul W. Gillespie - The Capital A pitbull named Garth waits at Anne Arundel County Animal Control for his owner to claim him or he may be euthanized.

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That was before the federal government yanked their access to hefty sedatives, before the animals began having seizures as the euthanasia drugs took hold, before the workers could see a glimmer of consciousness in a dog's eyes in the moments before it died.

Without access to the powerful sedatives that once made euthanasia a tolerable task, animal control workers across Maryland now shudder at their work.

For the past six months, many stray cats and dogs, ailing pets and injured wildlife condemned to death have received a weaker sedative that can...

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Euthanasia - 2008-02-07 14:13:08

I preface my remarks with a quote from Ghandi...The moral progress of civiliaztions can be judged by the treatment of their animals" I am ashamed to be a resident of Maryland after reading the frightening, sickening article on Euthanasia without sedatives. Humans are free to practice genocide on other species as we don't suffer moral questions from an animal's relatives, animals can't seek legal recourse, etc. It is my opinion that anyone who routinely practices euthanasia has lost a piece of their humanity in a dangerous way... I would be happy for my tax dollars to be spent on psychological counseling for Animal Control workers; particularly those who have had to euthanise an animal without a sedative. Perhaps this would prevent them from commiting violence in the future. I have called the Govenor and Secretary of Agriculture's offices asking how this grim, wrenching scenario could have happened. Of course, I am no closer to an answer. I have suggested that Department of Agriculture, DNR and Animal Control employees be required to view "Planet of the Apes" as training. Flip the script. How would you like to be muzzeled, put on a table, then injected with a substance that made you seize until your heart stopped while consious? I have hate for anyone who plays a role in any facet of this horrible mess... from myself and on behalf of my 3 pit bulls. I remain strict in the belief that all mammals have identical will to live. In this state, we not only disrespect that, we spit on the notion and do nothing to change it.

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Cheri Vaughan - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

euthanasia - 2008-02-04 11:46:39

How can this even be a question? Euthanasia without a sedative? Is that cruel? YES It?s CRUEL! But does the government care? Absolutely not. They test on animals, they kill animals, and they allow horrible things to be done to animals. I'm not sure I'm one to really talk. I love animals, but I'm not a vegetarian. Am I a hypocrite? Maybe. I adopted my dog and wish I could adopt more. But financially I can't afford more then one. I donate to the SPCA, I walk for them to raise money, and I give them what I can. This article hurt my heart and I found it very difficult to read. I may have to re-think my values and if I'm really doing enough to support the animals that are in shelters and I hope the government re-thinks it's responsibilities as well.

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megan jones - annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral