Parliament will debate legalising voluntary euthanasia after Act Party leader David Seymour's private member's bill was drawn from the ballot on Thursday.

The controversial bill represents the best chance for voluntary euthanasia to be legalised in New Zealand, although the issue is deeply polarising. Many MPs, including Prime Minister Bill English, are firmly opposed.

The End of Life Choice Bill would allow mentally competent New Zealand adults who have a terminal illness likely to end their life within six months, or have a grievous and irremediable medical condition, the choice to ask a doctor to help end their life at the time of their choosing.

Columnist fortheManawatu Standardand comedian Tim Batt discuss their views on the billand the timing of the debate.

LISTEN ABOVE: Liam Hehir and Tim Batt speak to Andrew Dickens

READ MORE:David Seymour's euthanasia bill drawn from ballot

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The Panel: Liam Hehir and Tim Batt on euthanasia - Newstalk ZB

JAMIE SMALL

Last updated18:08, June 10 2017

GEORGE HEARD/FAIRFAX NZ

Professor Jan Bernheim from Belgium is considered one of the world's leading experts in palliative care and euthanasia.

Professor Jan Bernheimplanned his pro-euthanasia tour of New Zealand months ago, but had the good luck to be here when the parliamentary biscuit tin brought the issue into public debate.

Bernheim, a medical doctor and palliative care specialist from Belgium, spoke at a public meeting in Christchurch on Saturday.

Hesaid he was in Wellington on Thursday when ACT leader David Seymour'sEnd of Life Choice bill was drawn from Parliament's ballot.

Nearly 100attended the meeting, and notall were in favour of Bernheim'smessage.

READ MORE: *MPs to vote on euthanasia after bill places the issue back in front of Parliament *Duncan Garner: A matter of life and death - now's the time to choose the right to die *Law change needed to stop clandestine assisted deaths, says Belgian euthanasia expert

Bernheim, used to debating in a predominantly Catholic country with predominantly Catholic hospitals, made a point of the fact that some religious figureheads had acceptedor at least turned a blind eye toeuthanasia.

"More and more Catholic organisations really let their physicians act accordingly to their consciences."

One dissident, a Catholic named John Collier, voiced his opinion at the meeting.

"The Catholic Church in no way condones it," he said.

"Thou shalt not kill, and that's the end of it."

Another dissident, who did not give his name, said legalising euthanasia would alienate those doctors who did not want to perform it.

"That is a burden on the conscience of many doctors."

Bernheim said it was normal for doctors to refer patients to other specialists if they were unable, unqualified,or unwilling to perform a procedure.

"There are many gynaecologists... who do not perform abortions, and they are not out of business."

Euthanasia is legal in eight countries including Belgium and seven states in the US.

Bernheim said New Zealanders' support rates for euthanasia were similar to somecountries where it is legal: between 70 and 80 per cent.

"Of course, there are legitimate objections... this is a personal point of view."

His advice for New Zealand if it decides to legalise euthanasia:

"Don't make it too complicated... don't be cruel on patients."

Christchurch palliative care specialist Dr Wendy Pattemore told Stuffshe disagreed with some of Bernheim's arguments.

"The first thing is we're not Belgium."

She said the culture was different, and "hastening" death had been acceptable in Belgium for many years before Euthanasia was legalised.

"I do fear that if we do something like that, we will alter the fabric of our culture in many ways."

Pattemore said we should also take into account the views of New Zealand'sdiverse cultures, such as Maori, Pacific Islanders and Asians, who have different values to Europeans when it comes to the elderly.

"They would have a very different view of ending life."

She said euthanasia could affect the relationship between doctor and patient, because doctors are currently trusted to heal.

"[Euthanasia] has to change that dynamic."

Pattemore said she was concerned as people aged they could subconsciously consider themselves "dispensable", or a burden on their families and country.

"I think that would occur with our most vulnerable population."

She said palliative care was about helping people live well at the end of their life.

"What I see is people wanting to stay alive as long as possible.

"There's always a little bit of hope. Not to be cured, but to see that grandchild, or do that one more thing."

-Stuff

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Advocate's advice to NZ if it decides to legalise euthanasia: Make it simple - Stuff.co.nz

The Victorian government will introduce assisted dying laws within months.Photo: Jason South

Opponents of voluntary euthanasia have warned Premier Daniel Andrews "the gloves are off" as they mount an aggressive campaign in some of Labor's most volatile seats ahead of the next Victorian election.

As the government prepares to introduce an assisted dying bill into parliament within months, critics have vowed to derail the legislation and electorally punish MPs who endup supporting it when it comes to a conscience vote later this year.

Right to Life has already taken out ads in suburban newspapers across Mr Andrews' Mulgrave seat, telling his constituents that the government is seeking to legalise "patient killing".

The group will also spend the next few months letter-boxing voters with similar messages in the ultra marginal electorates of Frankston, Carrum, Bentleigh and Mordialloc, and have organised for Oregon-based anti-euthanasia advocate Professor William LToffler to talk to Spring Street MPs this month as well as run a forum in the Premier's electorate.

"We're taking the fight right up to the enemy," said spokeswoman Margaret Tighe. "The gloves are off."

While the Premier, most of his ministers, the Sex Party and the Greens are in favour of law reform, others are not, such as Deputy Premier James Merlino, Opposition leader Matthew Guy and many socially conservative Liberals and crossbenchers. However, the majority of Spring Street's 128 MPs are yet to say whether they support assisted dying, or are waiting to see the final details.

Both sides admit that the outcome could be extremely close, just as it was in South Australia where a similar bill was defeated last year by only one vote. Furthermore, with about a dozenLabor and Coalition seats requiring swings of only 3 per cent or less to change hands, anemotive campaign could prove effective in swaying some MPs to vote against the bill for fear of abacklash.

Separately, the Australian Christian Lobby has stepped up its attack, urging supporters to pressure their local MPs,while accusing Labor of breaking an election promise not to introduce an assisted dying bill if it won government.

Documents show the pledge was made on the eve of the 2014 election, when Labor was asked to "rule out any attempt to bring on another vote on euthanasia". The written reply, seen by The Sunday Age, states that the while Mr Andrews and his team had plans to reform advance care directives and palliative care, "Labor does not support legislation beyond these provisions at this time".

"The government is underestimating the feeling in the community about this, and the community has very little trust in the ability of the government to get this right," said ACL state president Dan Flynn.

However, a spokesman for the Premier replied: "This is a very personal issue and there will be passionate views on both sides of the debate.We will ensure the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill has strong safeguards in place that will allow Victorians to have a choice at the end of their lives."

Original post:

Assisted dying: anti-euthanasia forces launch 'gloves off' campaign in key seats - The Age

Drew Knight, KVUE 5:55 PM. CDT June 09, 2017

(Photo: Lockhart Animal Shelter, Facebook)

LOCKHART, TEXAS - Currently operating as a no-kill facility, the Lockhart Animal Shelter is at risk of having to resort to euthanasia due to an influx of dogs.

The shelter confirmed to KVUE that while they have 52 kennels to house lost and abandoned canines, they are currently offering care to around 70 dogs and are operating over-capacity. They said this is a Code Red situation and they could begin euthanizing as early as next week.

Due to the influx, Monica Parra, senior animal control officer with the shelter, said they are currently keeping dogs in their office where they don't normally keep them.

"Spring and summer are puppy and kitten seasons," Parra said. "People want to go on vacation and want to dump their dogs or theyjust can't take care of them anymore due to personal reasons."

If you're looking to adopt a four-legged friend, the Lockhart Animal Shelters hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Adoptions start at $55 and depend on the dog. More info about the shelter can be found here.

Not looking to adopt? The shelter is also seeking foster families and accepting donations via PayPal to help with medical treatments such as heartworm.

"The public can help by donating money or supplies to the shelter, fostering and adopting," added Parra. "We also have an Amazon Wish List online under the Lockhart Animal Shelter."

2017 KVUE-TV

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Lockhart Animal Shelter in 'Code Red,' at risk of resorting to euthanasia - KVUE

Inside the Magic

Experience ending thrills of the Euthanasia Coaster The ultimate last ride? Inside the Magic The end of life is never an easy thing. Facing one's final moments, planning for it, or even discussing the matter is usually a touchy and emotional topic. Add euthanasia into the conversation, and controversy is soon to follow. Enter Julijona Uronas ...

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Experience ending thrills of the Euthanasia Coaster The ultimate last ride? - Inside the Magic

Euthanasia could be legal in New Zealand in less than a year with legislation to come before parliament in as little as a few weeks.

The End of Life Choice Bill was plucked at random from the members' ballot on Thursday, almost two years after it was first included, and there's confidence it has the numbers to pass.

It would give people over 18 with a terminal illness or a "grievous" medical condition the option to choose assisted dying if they have the support of two doctors.

Act Party leader David Seymour, the party's sole MP, is confident MPs will easily pass the legislation and says at best, assisted suicide could be legal in just under a year.

He says Kiwis are capable of having the discussion, taking aim at Australian politicians who are yet to consider same-sex marriage or physician-assisted dying.

"It might be an issue with the Australian public but in New Zealand, they are quite capable of separating [issues around euthanasia]," he said.

But the timing could be troubling for some MPs, with it yet to be determined if the legislation will come before the House of Representatives ahead of the September election.

"It will then take another six months to a year after that before it's potentially passed into law and of course we've got to make sure we've got the numbers at each of the three votes," Mr Seymour said.

New Zealand's unicameral system means the legislation only needs to pass through a committee stage and three readings in the House of Representatives before becoming law.

In the last count six months ago, there were 40 votes in support, 27 opposed and around 50 MPs undecided.

The unknown factor is new MPs who will enter parliament after the September 23 election.

Across New Zealand, polling puts public support for legalising euthanasia above 70 per cent.

If successful it would be the second major piece of conscience legislation passed by New Zealand's parliament in the last few years.

While the same-sex marriage debate continues to rage in Australia, Kiwis have been happily marrying for four years.

State parliaments in both Victoria and New South Wales are expected to consider euthanasia legislation later this year.

But just last month legislation failed to pass Tasmania's lower house, with twice as many MPs opposing change as those in favour.

A bill in South Australia was defeated by a single vote last November.

AAP 2017

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New Zealand likely to legalise euthanasia - 9news.com.au

Euthanasia and assisted dying is a controversialissue, with passionate campaigners on each side of the argument

THE debate around euthanasia and assisted dying in the UK is a controversial and complicated one with some saying choosing when to die is to die with dignity, while others claim it undermines the value of human life.

So what is euthanasia and assisted suicide and what is the debate surrounding this issue? We explain the details surrounding this sensitive and divisive subject.

Getty Images

Euthanasia, sometimes known as mercy killing, is the practice of intentionally ending someones life to relieve their pain and suffering.

Assistedsuicide is deliberately helping or encouraging someone to take their own life, for example by providingthem with medicine to do so.

The term comes from an ancient Greek phrase meaning good death.

Both are illegal in the UK with euthanasia carrying a maximum penalty of life in jail, and assisted suicide 14 years. The only exception is passive euthanasia, which is where treatment that might extend someones life is withdrawn such as a life machine being turned off.

The only alternatives for terminally ill patients in the UK arehospice care or refusing treatment, which mentally capable patientshave the right to do.

As a result, some terminally ill people decide to travel abroad to die.In Switzerland, where assisted suicide is legal (but euthanasia is not), you do not have to be a Swiss citizen to use a clinic.However, it is not cheap assisted suicide non-profit Dignitas charges patients 3,380 for its services.

Reuters

Euthanasia anddying is a controversialissue with passionate campaigners on each side of the argument.

People who agree with euthanasia often argue that people should be allowed to die with dignity and they should be able to decide when and how they die, and potentially save their loved ones the pain of seeing them suffer.

Some also believe death is private, and its not the states place to interfere if a person wants to die.

Meanwhile, those in favour of euthanasia also point out that we euthanise our pets as an act of kindness and resources could be put towards people who want to live, or whose conditions are curable.

However, there are concerns that allowing euthanasia would give doctors too much power, and might even worsencare for the terminally ill and research into their illnesses.

Some also believe it goes against the job description of doctors and nurses and undermines the value of human life.

Others also worry about the possibility of someone potentially recovering, or changing their mind when its already too late. Some have even suggestedit could lead to people feeling pressured into asking to die, as they dont want to be a burden upon those around them.

Getty Images

Many religious people are opposed to euthanasia and assisted dying too, as they believe God decides when we die.

Right now, despite fierce campaigning from organisations such as Dignity in Dying, the law is showing no signs of changing in the UK.

In September 2015MPs debated the issue for the first time in almost 20 years but the Assisted Dying Bill was rejected by 330 votes to 118, leading to reformers branding MPs ridiculously out of touch.

Motor neurone disease sufferer Noel Conway is one of the latest to try and challenge UK law on assisted dying.

The retired college lecturer took his case to the Court of Appeal after he was refused permission to bring a judicial review over the blanket ban on providing a person with assistance to die.

His lawyers said when he has less than six months to live and retains the mental capacity to make the decision, he would wish to be able to enlist assistance to bring about a peaceful and dignified death.

He claims the Suicide Act 1961 is incompatible with Article 8, which relates to respect for private and family life, and Article 14, which protects from discrimination.

Sun columnist Lorraine Kelly agreed, saying it was cruel for the state to deny him a peaceful death.

Lord Justice McFarlane and Lord Justice Beatsondecided in his favour on April 12, 2017, granting him the right to bring a High Court legal challenge.

Earlier this year a Belgian Paralympian caused controversy when she told reporters in Rioshe signed euthanasia papers in 2008 but is not ready to go through with it yet.

Marieke Vervoort, 37,suffers from an incurable degenerative muscle disease andpicked up the silver medal in the 400m T52 final.

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What is euthanasia and assisted suicide law in the UK and what is the mercy killing debate? - The Sun

An 80-year-old man who killed his paralyzed wife in Shau Kei Wan did it to spare her from further suffering, his younger brother said.

He said the condition of his sister-in-law had deteriorated when he visited the couple during the Tuen Ng festival, news website hk01.com reports.

Half of her body was paralyzed. My brother gave her massages, cooked for her and bathed her, he said.

He said that as euthanasia is illegal in Hong Kong, his brother had no choice but to kill his wife to end her misery.

In December, Secretary for Food and Health Ko Wing-man said the government had no plans to legalize euthanasia or hold any public consultations on it.

Ko said there had been some requests for euthanasia from terminally ill patients who later changed their minds after being given proper palliative care.

Ko said patients can use advance directive to spell out decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time.

Lawmaker Shiu Ka-chun, who represents the social welfare functional constituency, said euthanasia is an issue civilized societies cannot avoid.

He said he hoped the Shau Kei Wan tragedy could induce more public discussions on the controversial subject.

Former lawmaker Cheung Kwok-che, said that while society can discuss and debate euthanasia, legislation alone cannot help prevent cases as happened in Shau Kei Wan.

Cheung said there are are strict requirements for legal euthanasia to be given, including certain medical conditions, and not just the will of the patient.

According to Ko, euthanasia is only legal in a few countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Edward Leung Man-fuk, chairperson of the Hong Kong Association of Gerontology, said euthanasia or advance directive is the giving up of interventional treatment on a terminally ill patient. However, such conditions are not applicable for patients who suffered a stroke.

Leung said it is more important to improve the support system of the patients caregivers to avoid tragedies.

With Hong Kongs population rapidly aging, Leung said the government should review the relevant policies to tackle the issue.

In Taiwan, family caregivers can opt to take a short break from their long-term caregiving with government providing temporary caregivers.

This way, family caregivers who can choose to stay on premises provided by the government for a short period, can take a break from the burdens of looking after ailing family members.

- Contact us at [emailprotected]

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Shau Kei Wan tragedy sparks debate on euthanasia - EJ Insight

Over several decades, the Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center is following a national trend toward euthanizing less animals brought in.

Bob Gatt, director of the shelter, says that the facility hovers at about a 90-percent no-kill rate, a number that is looked upon favorably in the industry.

Gatt says there are several factors in the trend in Oakland County toward lower euthanasia rates:

There is no time limit on how long an adoptable pet can stay in the shelter awaiting a new home, a change from decades ago. Weve had animals in here for over a year, he says.

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There is better education about having pets spayed and neutered, resulting in less unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, Gatt said.

More prospective pet owners are aware of the option of adopting a dog or cat from a shelter, he said.

According to some estimates, animal shelters nationwide killed as many as 20 million cats and dogs annually in the 1970s. That had fallen to 2.6 million by 2011 and to 1.5 million currently, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The Oakland County shelter handles 4,000 to 5,000 animals per year. Generally, only those deemed unadoptable are euthanized. Unadoptable animals are seriously ill or injured without a reasonable hope of improving, deemed vicious or have traits that make them unsuitable to be pets, Gatt said.

The shelter, at 1700 Brown Road in Auburn Hills, employs several full-time veterinary technicians and part-time veterinarians. Animals brought in sick or injured are treated on site whenever possible or sent out to a veterinarian for treatment if no staff member is available.

Animals rights groups consistently question the shelters euthanasia figures, but Gatt says those groups are an important factor in the decrease in animals being put down.

Over the years, the groups have brought awareness to more humane treatment of animals.

Even the ones who dont like me, I applaud them, Gatt said.

A new state-of-the-art shelter is to open this summer in the Oakland County municipal complex at Telegraph and Pontiac Lake roads.

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Oakland County animal shelter's decreasing euthanasia rates mirror ... - The Oakland Press

Lecretia Seales' widower says the late euthanasia campaigner would be "over the moon" at news that a voluntary euthanasia bill will be debated in parliament.

ACT leader David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill was drawn from the member's bill ballot today.

Speaking to media at parliament today, Matt Vickers says, "Lecretia would be very happy ... she would be over the moon that this has finally got to the point where it's coming before the House".

Lecretia Seales died of brain cancer in June 2015. A Wellington based lawyer, she campaigned for voluntary euthanasia to be made legal.

In the week before she dieda High Court judgment ruled against Ms Seales allowing a doctor to euthanise her without fear of prosecution.

Mr Vickers today welcomed the issue of euthanasia once again being thrust into the spotlight.

"When Lecretia took her case in 2015 she was hoping to galvanise political action through that case ... but the hope of course was to get a bill introduced into parliament."

He went on to say that he's, "very happy with the news today and can't wait for it to be debated in parliament and for the proper evidence based discussion to take place".

Strong opposition in public submissions

The End of Life Choice Bill gives people with a terminal illness or a "grievous and irremediable medical condition" the option of requesting assisted dying.

It defines those eligible and details a comprehensive set of provisions to ensure it is a free choice made without coercion.

It also outlines a stringent series of steps to ensure the person is mentally capable of understanding the nature and consequences of their decision.

MPs will have a conscience vote on the bill, and parties won't take positions on it.

In May, 1 NEWS reported how an anti-euthanasia group's analysis of submissions made to the Health Select Committee investigating medically assisted dying, had found the majority opposed legalisation of euthanasia.

More than 21,000 written submissions were received, after a petition was taken to parliament in 2015 calling for an overhaul of euthanasia laws.

The Care Alliance reviewed each submission, and found 77 per cent opposed legalisation, 19.5 per cent were in support, and 3.4 per cent were neutral or unclear.

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Lecretia Seales' widower says she 'would be over the moon' with ... - TVNZ

Parliament is set to debate two big controversial issues - euthanasia and medicinal cannabis - in election year.

Medical cannabis.

Source: istock.com

ACT leader David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill was drawn from the member's bill ballot today, along with Green MP Julie Anne Genter's Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis and Other Matters) Amendment Bill.

Both will go on Parliament's agenda for a first reading.

The End of Life Choice Bill gives people with a terminal illness or a "grievous and irremediable medical condition" the option of requesting assisted dying.

It defines those eligible and details a comprehensive set of provisions to ensure it is a free choice made without coercion.

It also outlines a stringent series of steps to ensure the person is mentally capable of understanding the nature and consequences of their decision.

MPs will have a conscience vote on the bill, and parties won't take positions on it.

"Fantastic news, long awaited," Mr Seymour tweeted.

Assisted dying has been debated twice before by Parliament, the first time was in 1995, when the Death With Dignity Bill was defeated 61-29 on its first reading.

The second time was in 2003, when another Death With Dignity Bill was defeated 60-58, also on its first reading.

Green MP Julie Anne Genter also Tweeted her excitement about her medicinal cannabis bill being pulled from the ballot this afternoon.

The purpose of the medicinalcannabis bill is to make the drug legal for New Zealanders who are suffering from terminal illness or chronic illness to use cannabis or cannabis products with the support of a registered medical practitioner.

The bill aims to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act to give a person living with a terminal illness the right to "cultivate, possess or use the cannabis plant" and or "cannasbis products for therapeutic purposes" as long as the person is supported by a registered medical practitioner.

Currently, cannabis-based products can only be used with permission from the Ministry of Health and are dealtwith a case to case basis.

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Julie Anne Genter's medicinal cannabis bill, David Seymour's ... - TVNZ

Significantly fewer dogs are beingeuthanized in Winnipeg at a time when the numberof owners registering their pets continues tosoar.

"There are less animals coming in, but there's a massive decrease as far as euthanizations,"said Leland Gordon, chief operating officer for the city'sAnimal Services Agency.

The agency continues to take inabout 1,000 pets each year, but that's down from closer to 1,500 in 2008,Gordon said. Twenty-eightdogs were euthanized in 2016, compared to 359 in 2008.

"The residents of Winnipeg, the taxpayers can be really happy to hear a stat like that," Gordon said.

One big reason for the decline, Gordon says, is a rise in dog and cat licences in the city.

Fifty per cent more owners registered their dogs with the city in 2016 than in 2008.

More than 54,000 dog and 28,900 cat owners licensed their pets last year, compared to in 2015when 48,600 dog and 22,900 cat licenses were issued.

Thanks to that uptick in licensing, Gordon said 311 operators have been able to help about 600 lost pets find their way back home in recent years.

But the drop ineuthanasiafor pets isn't just from a rise in licensing, Gordon said.

"We've been doing a lot ofprogressivethings in the past few years to try and save really as many animals as possible," Gordon said.

Public awareness campaigns on social media andcommunity outreach initiatives about responsible pet ownershiphave also helped, he said.

"We go to over 30 community events a year," Gordon said."I think people are seeing more of animal services in the community and they're becoming more responsible."

Gordon previously said the agency was only able to find homes for 75 per cent of the dogs it rescued in 2008. Posting cuddly photos of adoptable dogs online a few years ago has helped change that, he said.

All of the agency's social media accounts are maintained by volunteers, Gordon says, and they often work with groups such as Winnipeg Lost Dog Alerts to reunitepups withtheir rightful owners.

Euthanasia will always be used in the case ofaggressive or terminally ill dogs that are brought into animal services and can't be released back into the community, Gordon said.

"Willnever be zero, but we can work as a team to keep that number as low as possible," hesaid.

Dramatic decrease in euthanized dogs0:55

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'Massive decrease': Dog euthanasia cases drop 92% as number of pooch licences soars - CBC.ca

Over several decades, the Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center is following a national trend toward euthanizing less animals brought in.

Bob Gatt, director of the shelter, says that the facility hovers at about a 90-percent no-kill rate, a number that is looked upon favorably in the industry.

Gatt says there are several factors in the trend in Oakland County toward lower euthanasia rates:

There is no time limit on how long an adoptable pet can stay in the shelter awaiting a new home, a change from decades ago. Weve had animals in here for over a year, he says.

Advertisement

There is better education about having pets spayed and neutered, resulting in less unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, Gatt said.

More prospective pet owners are aware of the option of adopting a dog or cat from a shelter, he said.

According to some estimates, animal shelters nationwide killed as many as 20 million cats and dogs annually in the 1970s. That had fallen to 2.6 million by 2011 and to 1.5 million currently, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The Oakland County shelter handles 4,000 to 5,000 animals per year. Generally, only those deemed unadoptable are euthanized. Unadoptable animals are seriously ill or injured without a reasonable hope of improving, deemed vicious or have traits that make them unsuitable to be pets, Gatt said.

The shelter, at 1700 Brown Road in Auburn Hills, employs several full-time veterinary technicians and part-time veterinarians. Animals brought in sick or injured are treated on site whenever possible or sent out to a veterinarian for treatment if no staff member is available.

Animals rights groups consistently question the shelters euthanasia figures, but Gatt says those groups are an important factor in the decrease in animals being put down.

Over the years, the groups have brought awareness to more humane treatment of animals.

Even the ones who dont like me, I applaud them, Gatt said.

A new state-of-the-art shelter is to open this summer in the Oakland County municipal complex at Telegraph and Pontiac Lake roads.

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Oakland County animal shelter's decreasing euthanasia rates mirror national trend - The Daily Tribune

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Shelter officials are seeking homes for 11 dogs with treatable conditions that otherwise will be euthanized next week.

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Sun-News Reports , . 3:40 p.m. MT June 6, 2017

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Doa Ana County-Las Cruces shelter officials are seeking homes for 11 dogs with treatable conditions that otherwise will be euthanized. Some of the adoptable dogs are seen here.(Photo: Courtesy)

LAS CRUCES - Shelter officials are seeking homes for 11 dogs with treatable conditions that otherwise will be euthanized next week.

Shelter officials said they won't hold the dogs past June 14, roughly one week from now.

Three of the dogs are heartworm-positive, while eight areEhrlichiaAnaplasmosis-positive.

"Understand that we testall dogs(for these illnesses) before adoption or a transfer toanother adoption agency,which is whyeverymonthwe have these positive dogs to find assistance with," said shelter Executive Director Beth Vesco-Mock. "Thesedogs are otherwiseextremely healthyand are extremelybehaviorallysound."

Adoption fees will be waived for the dogs, which have tended to be more difficult to adopt out because of their conditions.

"If anyone is interested in these awesome animals,I would encourage you to consult withyourveterinarian for treatment options," Vesco-Mock said. "Then, if still interested, please stop in the ASCMV at 3551 Bataan Memorial West and meet your new family pet."

To find out how to adopt one of the dogs,call the ASCMV or stop in at the shelter, 3551 Bataan Memorial West in Las Cruces. Information: 575-382-0018.

Shelter officials said the high numbers ofheartworm- andEhrlichiaAnaplasmosis-positive dogs at the facility show that the diseasesare prevalent in Doa Ana County. They encouraged pet owners to get their pets on preventative regimens to reduce the risk of heartworm infection. Also, pet owners can attempt to reduce animals' exposure to ticks, which spread Ehrlichia and Anaplasmosis.

Read or Share this story: http://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2017/06/06/11-awesome-dogs-face-euthanasia/374464001/

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11 'awesome' dogs face euthanasia - Las Cruces Sun-News

Some Tough Question to Ask

To come to a decision regarding euthanasia, you can ask your veterinarian some of the following questions:

Can you tell me if my cat is suffering? What kinds of treatments are available? What would the cost be? What might treatment accomplish? Can I expect a cure, alleviation of pain or prolongation of life? What kind of care will I need to provide at home?

Even though your veterinarian will answer as many of your questions as possible, ultimately the decision rests with you. A few questions you might ask yourself:

What is my cats quality of life? Is he comfortable and happy? With treatment, will his quality of life improve or worsen? How much longer can I reasonably expect my cat to live?

Its a difficult decision, but the choice to give your cat the good death is often the most humane.

How can you possibly go on living without your catthe beloved best friend with whom youve shared your life for the past 10 or 15 years? That is one of the challenging and possibly unanswerable questions that loving and conscientious cat owners must ponder when their veterinarian suggests that they might want to consider euthanasia.

The Good Death

The term euthanasia is derived from two Greek wordseu, which means good, and thanatos, which means death. In a report published in 2001, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) defined this good death as follows: Euthanasia is the act of inducing humane death in an animal. It is our responsibility as veterinarians and human beings to ensure that if an animals life is to be taken, it is done with the highest degree of respect, and with an emphasis on making the death as painless and distress-free as possible.

All cat owners should know the facts about euthanasia, which is a very complicated issue, says Fred Scott, DVM, PhD, former director of Cornell Universitys Feline Health Center. We all want to spare our animals as much suffering as possible, and in situations where a cat is seriously ill and in pain and weve run out of treatment alternatives, the euthanasia option can be very helpful. But its always both a blessing and a cursea blessing that we can do it in order to relieve an animals suffering, but a curse in that we have to make the decision.

The Preliminaries

In most cases, there is a sound and genuinely humane reason for considering the procedure. The cat may have a chronic, progressive, recurrent disease for which all treatment options have been exhausted. It may be experiencing end-stage organ failure that, after an indefinite period of pain and suffering, will inevitably be fatal. It has developed a neurologic condition that makes it extremely difficult to care for. Or it has been hit by a car and injured beyond repair.

Although a veterinarian may point out that an injury or disease condition would justify euthanasia, the owners authorization for the procedure is always required. (Dr. Scott advises that cats should always be microchipped or wearing ID tags so that their owners can be reached in case the animal does wander away from home and suffer a life-threatening accident.)

After signing the authorization, the owner can usually elect whether to be present during the procedure, to view the cats remains afterward or to bid farewell to the animal before the procedure is begun. I always prefer to offer owners as many options as possible, says Dr. Scott. If they want to be present during the procedure, I have no problem with that.

"If there are children involved, I strongly suggest that parents discuss it with them beforehand. Avoid using euphemisms such as putting to sleep, because such terms can be very confusing to youngsters. If you let them know exactly whats going on and why, then its fine if the whole family is present. Unless a severely traumatized animal is involved, euthanasia is almost always an elective procedure, so the family can prepare for it together ahead of time.

Also prior to the procedure, owners are usually asked about the animals remains. The owners may want to take the euthanized animals body home with them and personally see to its cremation or burial, or they may choose to have the veterinary clinic make the arrangements. Either way, if cremation is chosen, owners can opt to have the ashes returned to them.

The Procedure

Euthanasia is usually done by a veterinarian; in some cases, it may be performed by a trained technician under the veterinarians supervision. The procedure involves a lethal injection of a barbiturate anesthetic (sodium pentobarbitol), which, according to the AVMA, has the ability to induce loss of consciousness and death without causing the pet any pain, distress, anxiety or apprehension. Sodium pentobarbitol is known to act rapidly and reliably. Some vets may give the patient a mild sedative prior to administering the lethal injection.

The drug overdose will quickly cause the animals heartbeat to slow down and stop. Its blood circulation will cease, its brain will stop functioning and it will stop breathing. In virtually all cases, the pet will lose consciousness and simply drift peacefully and painlessly away within a very short time, a matter of seconds, says Dr. Scott.

Concluding Business

Veterinarians are typically very sensitive to the emotional needs of owners following euthanasia. Most veterinarians would prefer euthanasia to take place at a quiet time of day in the clinic, Dr.Scott explains, so that they can allow the owner to be in the room and take as much time with their cat as needed after the procedure. And the owner, who is grieving, wont have to exit through a busy waiting room. In this regard, most veterinarians are as adaptable and compassionate as possible.

Regarding the payment of fees by grieving owners for a euthanasia procedure, Dr. Scott explains: Although the procedure itself is reasonably priced, it cannot be done for free. But veterinarians will try to handle this in as sensitive a way as possible.

The death of a beloved cat is never easy. Grief, regret, anger, uncertainty, sadness and/or a feeling of emptiness may accompany the loss. But remember to allow yourself time to grieve. A new cat will not replace your deceased pet in your affections or your heart, but can eventually help ease the pain of the loss. Adopting a needy pet can also be a loving tribute to your beloved cat.

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Euthanasia: What to Expect and What Questions to Ask First

Tuesday, 6 June 2017, 5:35 pm Press Release: Right To Life

Belgian Doctor Advocate for Culture of Death Descends on New Zealand

MEDIA RELEASE JUNE 3 2017

Right to Life believes that the community should be wary of doctors who are prepared to kill their patients as a treatment option.A pro euthanasia group has sought the urgent help of retired Belgium Professor Jan Bernheim to address meetings Right to Life believes have been hurriedly arranged in New Zealand to promote the Belgium model of euthanasia. Right to Life believes that the community should be concerned that this speaking tour is disrespectful of our Parliamentary democracy. It is thought that the presence of this advocate for a culture of death is intended to undermine the medical profession in New Zealand and to influence the Parliamentary Health Select Committee which is, at this time finalizing its report to Parliament. The pro-death group is well aware that 77 per cent of the 21,435 submissions are strongly opposed to the law being changed to allow the strong to kill the weak. This opposition is also reflected in the 1,800 oral submissions. We believe that it is his intention to attempt to generate public support for the Belgian model of euthanasia, in opposition to the anticipated report of the Committee.

The community should be aware that Professor Bernheim is in violation of the ethics of the medical profession which he swore to uphold at the time of his graduation, specifically to have the utmost respect for life. The World Medical Association in 2013 declared;

Physicians-assisted suicide, like euthanasia, is unethical and must be condemned by the medical profession. Where the assistance of the physician is intentionally and deliberately directed at enabling an individual to end his or her own life, the physician acts unethically. However the right to decline medical treatment is a basic right of the patient and the physician does not act unethically even if respecting such a wish results in the death of the patient.

This professor claims that New Zealand should follow the Belgium model of euthanasia. There are two studies from the Flanders region of Belgium that display a rampant disregard for the law. In 2007, a study found that 32 percent of assisted deaths were performed without any request and that 47 percent of all assisted deaths were not reported. (See footnote 1) A further study in 2013 revealed that two percent of all deaths were hastened without an explicit request and that 40 percent of hastened deaths were not reported. There has been in Belgium a 500 percent increase in euthanasia in 10 years.

Arguments for euthanasia are founded on terminally ill patients being in intolerable pain. The lie to this is given by the fact that people in Belgium have been killed by a doctor in Belgium for diagnoses that include; depression, fatigue, autism and anorexia.

Assisting in suicide and homicide are serious crimes in the Crimes Act under which laws are in place for the protection of the most vulnerable ,members of our community, the aged, the disabled and the seriously ill. We change these laws at our peril.

Ken Orr

Spokesperson,

Right to Life

Footnote 1 Physician-assisted deaths under the euthanasia law in Belgium: a population-based survey. Chambaere K, Bilsen J, Cohen J, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, Mortier F, Deliens L CMAJ. 2010 Jun 15; 182(9):895-901. [PubMed] [Ref list]

Further Reference

Scoop Media

The rest is here:

Belgian Doctor Euthanasia Advocate Descends on NZ - Scoop.co.nz (press release)

New Yorks supreme court began weighing up arguments for and against physician-assisted suicide this week, so it was no surprise that the New York Times reported the euthanasia death in British Columbia of an expatriate New Yorker.

What was surprising, writes bioethicist Franklin Miller, of Weill Cornell Medical College, was the tone, spread and length of the feature. Published on May 25, a photo of John Shields, the dead man, took up a quarter of the front page, and there were five full pages of text and images inside the newspaper.

Dr Miller supports physician assisted suicide for the terminally ill, but he found the gushing coverage alarming. He writes in the The Hastings Center blog:

It seems significant that the New York Timesan arbiter of culturedevoted an extraordinary amount of attention to a planned, physician-assisted death [PAS] and the rituals associated with it. There is a human interest story here, but the article had scant discussion of the ethical and policy issues raised by Canadas form of legalized medical assistance in dying. Presented to the readers, in lavish detail, as the Gift of Death, with a very appealing protagonist, this article romanticizes the death of John Shields. More importantly, I see it as describing, and prescribing, a model for the good death in North America today.

Dr Miller insists that PAS is not the only good death, but the coverage implies that it may be the best way to depart this world. Letting death happen, with the aid of palliative care, is no less good than making it happen, Dr Miller argues. We should beware of prescribing a particular form of death with dignity as a model for the end of life and not acknowledging other perspectives.

The article was not a model of the Timess new slogan discover the truth with us. As Miller points out, the article shed no light at all upon the ethical, medical and social complexities of Canadas new legislation for euthanasia, or medical assistance in dying (MAID), as it is called in Canada. Mr Shields, a former Catholic priest who found a new career as a union organiser in BC and, in retirement, as an environmental activist, was terminally ill, although he was not suffering unbearable pain. But he did fear becoming dependent. He fit the profile of most euthanasia patients: worried, white, and well-off. From the Timess account, it appears that the hospice doctors were not top-notch palliative care experts.

As in other portrayals of assisted dying, a cool, competent, compassionate doctor becomes a central figure in the narrative. In this case, she was a 48-year-old mother of two, Stefanie Green, who is so committed to euthanasia that she attended a conference in the Netherlands a month before it became legal. It seems relevant to coverage of Mr Shieldss death that she is also the founder of the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers and has been involved in a quarrel with the BC government about insufficient compensation for euthanasia services. But nothing was mentioned about this in the article.

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BioEdge: Is euthanasia really the 'best' way to die? - BioEdge

Although Dutch government proposals for euthanasia for completed life that is, for elderly people who want to step off the treadmill gracefully have received a lot of publicity, they have not been legislated.

Now the Royal Dutch Medical Association (KNMG), the peak body for doctors in the Netherlands, has announced its opposition. Such a radical proposal is not desirable for practical reasons and for reasons of principle," says the KNMG.

Adding another law to govern the practice of euthanasia will lead to great complications, it contends. The current Act is meticulous, transparent, verifiable, safe for patients and physicians, and has broad support.

The governments proposal could harm the elderly. Vulnerability due to age, when people experience many medical and non-medical problems, can cause unbearable and hopeless suffering within the meaning of the legislation. It could end up stigmatising the elderly.

The KNMG points out that the term "completed life" has an attractive ring to it for the public.In practice, however, it will mainly be vulnerable people who experience loneliness and loss of meaning.These are complex and tragic problems for which no simple solutions.

See the article here:

Dutch doctors oppose plans for 'completed life' euthanasia - BioEdge

Toronto Sun

Fatal flaw in Ontario's euthanasia bill Toronto Sun Bill 84 is the Ontario government's proposed legislation designed to implement Ottawa's law on medically assisted dying. It ignores the conscience rights of doctors like myself, who oppose euthanasia on ethical grounds and, in its current form, will ... and more »

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Fatal flaw in Ontario's euthanasia bill - Toronto Sun

But Mr Seymour says in Parliament, it's a different story.

"I think at least a third are definitely on for it. Maybe a fifth are hardcore opposed for personal or spiritual or whatever reasons. There's a mushy middle in there I think we would get. We would get it through the first reading."

He'd have Paula Bennett's vote, the Deputy Prime Minister telling The AM Show she's leaning in favour - but would like to analyse the details, to ensure no one would be "coerced" into it.

Labour deputy Jacinda Ardern, also on The AM Show, said she would vote for it.

"The select committee was a good way to try and get MPs from across the House to work up some ideas and ways forward."

Mr Seymour's Bill wouldn't be the first on euthanasia Parliament has debated. In 1995, then-National Party MP Michael Laws had his Death with Dignity Bill drawn. It failed 29-61. In 2003, a similar Bill submitted by a New Zealand First MP failed 58-59.

Former Labour MP Maryan Street's End of Life Choice Bill was withdrawn from the ballot before it was drawn. Mr Seymour praised her efforts, and said he won't be backing down.

"I'm gonna keep my Bill in there as long as I'm a Member of Parliament because you can't lose forever."

The advantage he thinks his Bill has over what's come before is that it is very tight - patients need, among other things, two doctors' sign-off, be over 18, have a terminal illness or degenerative condition, and jump through various bureaucratic hoops. All cases are also reported back to Parliament.

"You can't walk into a hospital and do this by accident," he says.

Newshub.

See the article here:

Seymour keeping up the fight for euthanasia - Newshub