Euthanasia is often controversial. Many dog pounds use it as a simple “solution” to the rampant problem of animal overpopulation.
Many use this as an excuse to antagonize wildlife facilities that use euthanasia humanely, which they should be allowed to.
Many animals are brought to these rehabilitation facilities severely injured, whether it be a car crash, gunshot wound, etc. The outstanding issue was that in order to have these animals put down, the facilities would need to vet a veterinarian, and have them come and euthanize the animal (at this point unnecessarily suffering). Permitting these facilities to operate autonomously and grant them mercy is a necessary evil. Senator Andrew Brenner of Delaware sponsored a bill granting the facilities this privilege, stating, “Rather than having to wait on an overwhelmed veterinarian, this bill allows a wild animal rehabilitation facility to have access to medications necessary for the humane euthanasia of severely injured or diseased wildlife.” While some facilities use these services almost self-servingly, the wildlife facilities need autonomy.
Some argue that they’re still capable of having a veterinarian come in and perform the operations. This is true; however, it applies ample stress on the vet and prolongs the animals’ unnecessary misery. Allowing facilities to provide euthanasia autonomously makes their lives easier and shortens the suffering of needing animals. In a perfect world, we needn’t euthanize these animals; that’s a world everyone wants, but to be ignorant of its necessity is a greater evil than just giving them mercy.
Additionally, wildlife facilities have to adhere to additional standards when pursuing the euthanization of animals. These standards work well to provide additional security, making sure it’s used when needed and not when just wanted. There’s no perfect solution, but this isn’t far off.
This is a great effort being put forth by Ohio’s legislation and will be greatly beneficial. The bill goes through the Ohio House soon, and will hopefully pass, which will surely save some animals from prolonged and unnecessary suffering.
