Category Archives: Euthanasia

Taking advantage of the re-election of President Marcelo Rebelo for a second term as head of state, the Portuguese Parliament has just voted for the decriminalization of euthanasia in the country. A decision that comes as the health system is at the end of its rope due to the virulence of the COVID-19 epidemic, which has resulted in a record number of deaths since the start of 2021.

Do not speak of euthanasia but simply of a medically assisted anticipation of death, a soft way of designating the thing, voted on January 29, 2021 in a country at the head of which a fervent Catholic, in the person of Marcelo Rebelo, has just been re-elected.

The final version of the text, made public on January 26, and voted on three days later, provides that only national citizens legally residing in national territory, having made a free and informed decision, may have recourse to euthanasia. But in fact, it is much more a question of assisted suicide than euthanasia.

As the European Institute of Bioethics (IEB) notes, the new law does not require suffering to be caused by injury or disease, but only that it be concurrent with them. Likewise, it does not matter whether the patients suffering is able to be alleviated or not: suffering which is intolerable but which could be alleviated can thus pave the way for euthanasia.

Everything is based, in short, on a subjective assessment of the patient which must be validated by the medical profession: the door opens to all abuses, since the text even provides that psychological suffering is one of the causes of assisted suicide.

But thats not all: the existence of a terminal illness is not required for the law to apply, euthanasia being allowed for people with permanent injuries of extreme severity. Thus, a severely disabled person, physically or mentally, is eligible for euthanasia.

The law still provides for possible sanctions for health centers that fail to apply the new euthanasia provisions, even though conscientious objection is still recognized for health workers. This could pose formidable problems for Catholic clinics and hospitals.

After its adoption, the law will be sent to the Head of State, who will be responsible for promulgating it, and Portugal will then become the fourth country of the European Union (EU) to provide a legal framework for the physical elimination of the most vulnerable, after Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

President Robelo does, however, have the option of vetoing the text, or sending it to the Constitutional Court for prior review. But the head of states veto could be overturned by a second MP vote.

The Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP) expressed sadness and indignation at the adoption of this law which violates the principle of the inviolability of human life enshrined in our fundamental law.

The CEP has appealed to protect life, especially when it is the most fragile, with all the means and in particular with access to palliative care, which the majority of the Portuguese population does not yet have.

As the IEB specifies, 70% of Portuguese patients likely to benefit from palliative care do not have access to it due to a lack of sufficiently trained staff. As it is well known that access to appropriate care provides relief to patients, who then no longer wish to be euthanized.

Read this article:

Portugal: Parliament Gives the Green Light to Assisted Suicide - FSSPX.News

He's expected to make the case about why the exotic animals housed at the facility belong to him personally.

INDIANAPOLIS Nearly one year to the day after WHAS11 first exposed allegations of neglect and abuse at Wildlife in Need in Southern Indiana, the non-profit's founder will face a judge for the final hearing in the state's case against him Monday morning.

The hearing will start at 9 a.m. in Indianapolis, where Tim Stark is expected to make a case about why the exotic animals previously part of Wildlife in Need belong to him personally and not the non-profit. The state is expected to argue that all animals and property were part of the non-profit which has officially been dissolved.

A Look Back At the Case

WHAS11 aired the two part investigation into allegations of neglect and abuse at Wildlife in Need in February of 2020, after interview seven former staff members. Their claims were backed by more than 500 pages of state and federal records.

"He's been operating since 1999- this has always been something that's been swept under the rug", former volunteer Jordan Jones told WHAS11 in January of 2020.

The former employees described dirty cages, injured animals that didn't get vet attention and a lack of food and water. The documents highlighted unethical euthanasia, missing or fabricated records and too few staff for too many animals, among other serious allegations. The failed inspection reports dated back nearly ten years.

When WHAS11 took the allegations to Tim Stark, he didn't deny them but blamed his staff.

Stark said, "Kind of funny how they'll sit there and say well look at this it wasn't clean, well look at that it wasn't done. Well- who's freaking job was it? It was theirs."

Then WHAS11 took the allegations the USDA and on the same day the investigation aired, the federal agency revoked Stark's exhibitor's license. Several days later, the Indiana Attorney General filed a lawsuit against him accusing him of embezzling non-profit money and aiming to shut him down for good.

Director and Chief Counsel of the Consumer Protection Division Betsy DeNardi said, "We include allegations that animals were neglected to show that the corporation, the non-profit is not fulfilling its mission."

The next month, March, an inspection at the Charlestown property proved animal experts' fears were validated and several months later the court approved a motion to move all of the animals to other sanctuaries for the remainder of the case... despite major push back from Stark.

"I'm losing my life right now. Everything I've worked for," Stark said, as animals were removed from the property in September.

More than 200 animals were ultimately removed during an operation that involved swat, police, and court officials.

But a final count showed not all animals were accounted for. Some were missing from the property. The judge asked Stark to turn them over or face contempt of court but that didn't happen. When deadlines were missed the judge issued a warrant for Stark's arrest and in September Stark fled the state.

"It's been a very unusual road and you're dealing with a character. A character who doesn't believe he needs to subject himself to the authority of the court and has indicated that numerous times", Scott Barnhart with the Attorney General's Office said.

Stark was eventually arrested in New York State in October and extradited back to Indiana. He faced jail time and apologized to the judge for his behavior, blaming bad medication.

Former Wildlife in Need volunteer said, "I think when he got into it he may have had good intentions but he let greed get the better of him and I think that's why we're here today- that's really why we're in Indianapolis and why he's in cuffs and why he's behind bars."

Wildlife in Need is officially dissolved on paper, meaning the non-profit cannot show animals to the public, host events or collect donations. But what happens to the animals? Who do they belong to? Those questions set to be answered in the courtroom starting Monday morning.

Follow this link:

Wildlife in Need's Tim Stark expected to make plea to keep animals during final court hearing Monday - WHAS11.com

Figures dont lie and liars dont figure.

That old expression is important when we quantify the accomplishments over the years at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. This success story is a result of the continuous dedication of the shelter staff, FOTAS cherished volunteers, our county government and a change in attitude throughout Aiken County.

FOTAS was formed in 2009 when the intake and euthanasia rates at the shelter were, putting it mildly, horrible. In 2014, because of the tremendous private/public relationship in the county, the much-needed new shelter was built.

Lets take a look at some comparisons between 2013 (the year before the new shelter) and 2020:

As you can see, too many animals still end up at the shelter as strays or surrenders, but the trend is (finally!) downward. Three specific reasons account for this downward trend.

1. TNR/RTF (Trap, Neuter, Return/Return-To-Field). Homeless, outdoor, community cats are trapped and brought to the shelter by a citizen. The cats are fixed at the shelter through the sponsorship of FOTAS and the county and then returned to their natural habitat. Spaying or neutering just one male and one female cat can prevent more than 2,000 unwanted births in just four years. The county began its TNR/RTF program in 2016. In 2020, 1,410 cats participated in this program.

2. Home-to-Home. FOTAS began its Home-to-Home program in 2019, where animal owners who can no longer keep their pet can go to the FOTAS website and promote their pet for rehoming free of charge. This program allows the pet to be adopted directly from the original owner to the new one, eliminating the trauma and stress (both owner and pet) of having to surrender a beloved friend to a public shelter.

3. Spay/neuter. More pet owners are fixing their pets. The county and FOTAS make it easier for citizens with financial need to fix their pets through their spay/neuter voucher and Fido-Fix-A-Pet programs.

While the number of animals adopted, transferred to no-kill partner shelters and returned to their owners has steadily increased, the changes in the number of animals saved or euthanized tells the most important story:

In 2020, the number of animals saved increased by 2,481, an increase of 148.56%.

In 2020, the number of animals euthanized decreased by 3,483, a decrease of 96.03%. Only 144 animals were euthanized in 2020 because they were too sick to treat or too dangerous/aggressive.

These two statistics speak for volumes about the dedicated support of the volunteers, fosters, donors, adopters and shelter staff as well as County Councils commitment to the betterment of the county shelter and the animals in need in our community. All the lifesaving programs, all the cooperation and all the love is working. On behalf of the homeless animals of Aiken County, THANK YOU!

Their lives are in our hands.

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FOTAS: The real story behind the numbers | Features | postandcourier.com - Charleston Post Courier

Harmony Animals Matchmaker and Sanctuary, a non-profit shelter at 2527 W. Pinyon Ave., is opening a pop up thrift store for fundraising.

The shelter takes in small animals, mainly dogs, from higher capacity shelters and those on euthanasia lists. Founded in 2018, Harmony Animals is operating out of Director Danielle Dyers dog daycare and groomer Barks Play and Stay.

Dyer wants to move to a larger operating space, so the nonprofit has been lent a spot at an old food bank at 562 W. Crete Circle No. 102 for the thrift store. Harmony Animals needs to raise $250,000 by June 1 to facilitate the move. Theyve raised $7,000 so far, Dyer said.

You can get T-shirts, facemasks, and just about anything you need, she said. Were taking all kinds of donations, which are tax deductible. Were also looking for volunteers.

The thrift store is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. 7 p.m. but donations are accepted all week, Dyer said. For more information, you can call Harmony Animals at 970-783-1919 or email the shelter at info@harmonyanimals.com

n The employment agency Express Employment Professionals has announced the promotion of Sara Ogdon to operations manager of its Grand Junction office at 725 Pitkin Ave.

Her new role will include setting goals and prioritizing activities for the office, according to a news release.

Ogdon is a very dedicated individual with commitment to job seekers and employers in the grand valley, Owner Nina Anderson said in the news release. She is committed to continuing the great customer service the community has come to expect from Express Employment.

For more information on Express and its services, you can call 970-242-4500 or visit its website expresspros.com/grandjunctionco.

n The law firm Ireland Stapleton is welcoming Sarah Abbott to its Grand Junction office, at 200 Grand Ave. Suite 202.

Abbott previously worked as an attorney in Denver and Montrose, according to her LinkedIn account. She has a variety of specialties, including drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, advising on employment matters, intellectual property and real estate, among others.

Were proud to have Sarah on the Ireland Stapleton team, Jeff Hurd, Director in the Grand Junction office, said in a news release. She combines in-depth knowledge of Western Slope business matters with extensive experience in corporate, real estate, and regulatory matters.

Abbot can be called at 970-822-1306 or emailed at sabbott@irelandstapleton.com.

n Grand Junction Volkswagen, at 653 Market St., has been recognized for its customer service.

It received a 2021 Consumer Satisfaction Award from the website DealerRater. The award is given to the top 10% of dealerships with the most positive reviews on the website, according to a news release.

Customer service is our top priority everyday. 2020 definitely created some unique challenges, Grand Junction Volkswagen Owner Ron Bubar said in a news release. We had to re-create our customer service experience by keeping our distance, while still delivering essential high quality auto service to our customers.

Grand Junction Volkswagen can be reached via phone at 970-255-6677 or you can visit its website grandjunctionvolkswagen.com.

Do you know about an area business opening, closing, moving or changing? Email bizbuzz@gjsentinel.com.

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Bizz Buzz Feb. 7, 2021 | Business | gjsentinel.com - The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel

Sorrow, outrage

After the Portuguese parliament legalised euthanasia the countrys bishops expressed sorrow and outrage: To legalise death in this context [of the pandemic], rejecting lessons this pandemic has given to us on the precious value of human life, which the community in general and health professionals in particular are trying to save with extraordinary efforts, is a contradiction.

The bishops stressed that the legalisation of euthanasia means giving up on alleviating suffering and giving the wrong idea that a life marred by pain, and suffering does not deserve more protection and becomes a burden on oneself, on other people, on health services and on society as a whole.

Now more than ever, we are determined to accompany the sick with care and love in all the phases of their earthly life and especially in the final one.

In his Angelus last Sunday, the pope said: Carry a copy of the Bible in your pocket or in your bag, in order to read it during the day, to listen to that authoritative word of Jesus. And then we all have our problems, we all have our sins, we all have spiritual malaises ask Jesus: Jesus, you are the prophet, the Son of God, he who was promised to us to heal us. Heal me! Ask Jesus for healing, from our sins, from our ills.

Speaking to Italian catechists, Pope Francis said: In this year marked by the isolation and sense of loneliness caused by the pandemic, we have often reflected on the sense of belonging that underlies a community. It has undermined established practices and habits and thus provokes us to rethink our community. We have realised, in fact, that we cannot get by alone, and that the only way to come out of crises better is to come out of them together no one is saved alone, we come out of it together re-embracing with more conviction the community in which we live.

(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)

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Quotes and news - February 7, 2021 - Times of Malta

MPs have drawn up a list of controversial subjects which remain out of bounds to parliament until a new cabinet has been appointed after the March 17 general election.

The list has been drawn up earlier than usual because the current coalition is already acting in a caretaker capacity after resigning last month in the wake of the childcare benefit scandal.

The list includes opening Lelystad airport to commercial traffic, increasing paid parental leave, further limits to public sector pay and broad subjects such as climate.

Asylum issues, including tackling troublemakers and bringing in some refugees from camps on the Greek islands, have also been declared controversial.

Efforts to establish euthanasia rights for the elderly who are tired of life will also now be put on the backburner.

The idea of the list is to stop an outgoing government forcing unpopular or difficult measures through parliament at the last minute.

The DutchNews.nl team would like to thank all the generous readers who have made a donation in recent weeks. Your financial support has helped us to expand our coverage of the coronavirus crisis into the evenings and weekends and make sure you are kept up to date with the latest developments.

DutchNews.nl has been free for 14 years, but without the financial backing of our readers, we would not be able to provide you with fair and accurate news and features about all things Dutch. Your contributions make this possible.

If you have not yet made a donation, but would like to, you can do so via Ideal, credit card or Paypal.

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Lelystad airport, refugees and euthanasia on MPs' list of controversial subjects - DutchNews.nl - DutchNews.nl

Queensland MPs are set to vote on sweeping euthanasia legislation this year, after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made it a key election pledge.

The Courier-Mail went to all MPs for comment to seek their view on the issue, as they await draft legislation from the Queensland Law Reform Commission which is due by May.

See what your MP had to say in response to the following questions: Do you support voluntary assisted dying? Will you vote in favour of voluntary assisted dying when the legislation comes before the parliament?

See where your local MP stands on this sensitive issue.

"We won't be making any decisions until we see the new Bill. I can't make an informed decision without it (the legislation)."

"I am in favour of voluntary assisted dying with appropriate safeguards, which I am confident can be achieved as has happened elsewhere. It is an issue of choice and compassion for people with terminal illnesses, and these people should have a choice about their own lives if they are in intolerable pain or no longer have any quality of life."

Member for Mudgeeraba Ros Bates

"Voluntary assisted dying is a sensitive issue for all Queenslanders. LNP MPs are right now listening to the people they represent, the people they'll vote for. They're also waiting to see the legislation so they know exactly what they are voting on. Queenslanders would expect nothing less. Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli has already granted all members of the party a conscience vote."

His office referred to a statement from an LNP spokesman that said:

"Voluntary assisted dying is a sensitive issue for all Queenslanders. LNP MPs are right now listening to the people they represent, the people they'll vote for. They're also waiting to see the legislation so they know exactly what they are voting on. Queenslanders would expect nothing less. Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli has already granted all members of the party a conscience vote."

Member for Maiwar Michael Berkman

"Yes. The Greens long standing position is to support voluntary assisted dying. The government has not yet released the legislation, but I support voluntary assisted dying subject to safeguards as recommended by the Parliamentary Health Committee and consistent with the Bill proposed by Professors White and Wilmott of QUT."

"Voluntary assisted dying is a sensitive issue for all Queenslanders. LNP MPs are right now listening to the people they represent, the people they'll vote for. They're also waiting to see the legislation so they know exactly what they are voting on. Queenslanders would expect nothing less. Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli has already granted all members of the party a conscience vote."

"As an MP my job is to represent my community, not any personal beliefs. In annual surveys undertaken by myself, or the previous MP, an overwhelming number of Noosa respondents support VAD, and I had advocated for the inquiry. It is vital that issues important to Queenslanders are brought into Chamber for all voices to be heard, both for (and) against."

Will you vote in favour of voluntary assisted dying when the legislation comes before the parliament? "Yes, however given we have not seen the draft Bill, if there is any part that raises major concerns and is not addressed, I may ask or support amendments."

"Voluntary assisted dying is a sensitive issue for all Queenslanders. LNP MPs are right now listening to the people they represent, the people they'll vote for. They're also waiting to see the legislation so they know exactly what they are voting on. Queenslanders would expect nothing less. Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli has already granted all members of the party a conscience vote."

Member for Callide Colin Boyce

Did not respond.

"Yes".

"Yes".

"Yes. I believe terminally ill people should have the right to end their life on their own terms - if that's what they choose to do. I've reviewed the Parliamentary Committee report on voluntary assisted dying, including excerpts from the 4,719 written submissions the committee received which outlined a very clear and urgent need for this reform. Naturally, I have some questions around eligibility, the training for those involved and what safeguards will be in place to ensure these decisions are truly voluntary - but I hope (and expect) these will be addressed in the upcoming report from the Queensland Law Reform Commission. We need a legal framework that's compassionate, safe and practical for Queenslanders, and I'm sure that's what the QLRC will deliver.

"While I have a personal view on the legalisation of voluntary assisted dying, I also strongly believe that I was elected to represent the views of those living in Cooper. We are currently speaking with people in my electorate about this issue and canvassing their views on how they'd like me to vote. We have an active survey we're encouraging people to respond to (available via my social media), in addition to having conversations with people while we're doorknocking and during mobile offices. At this point, there appears to be strong support from our local community. Cooper residents are invited to contact me to share their view on this important issue."

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher

"This reform is something I am more than happy to support, as I did during the election, and the Government intends to introduce this piece of legislation in late May 2021.

"People have seen their loved ones laying in a palliative care bed, gasping for breath, and terminally ill, knowing their life is going to end. They're going through it in a dreadful and painful way, and the family got to sit there and watch them suffer for days, and sometimes weeks. I'm proud to be a part of the Palaszczuk Government that has taken a very considered and conscientious approach to taking community consultation before drafting the legislation. I will await the draft legislation from the Queensland Law Reform Commission and any committee recommendations that may follow. I will vote according to my conscience after listening to my community."

"Voluntary assisted dying is a sensitive issue for all Queenslanders. LNP MPs are right now listening to the people they represent, the people they'll vote for. They're also waiting to see the legislation, so they know exactly what they are voting on. Queenslanders would expect nothing less. Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli has already granted all members of the party a conscience vote."

"Voluntary assisted dying is a sensitive issue for all Queenslanders and I'm listening to the people I represent. I'm also waiting to see the legislation, so I know exactly what I'm voting on - my constituents would expect nothing less. The Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli has already granted me and all members of the party a conscience vote."

"I support Voluntary Assisted Dying as an option for people who enter a stage in life when this option becomes a serious consideration. It is very complex and deeply personal issue and I appreciate the Premier's decision to allow all MPs to cast a conscience vote on the issue when the time comes for draft legislation to be examined."

Opposition Leader and Member for Broadwater David Crisafulli

"Voluntary assisted dying is a sensitive issue for all Queenslanders. LNP MPs are right now listening to the people they represent, the people they'll vote for. They're also waiting to see the legislation so they know exactly what they are voting on. Queenslanders would expect nothing less. I have granted all members of the party a conscience vote."

"In principle I support voluntary assisted dying and I'll be looking closely at the legislation before making a decision."

"I do not support euthanasia on a moral basis. I believe that we should be doing all we can to protect and preserve life. I believe there should be more State and Federal investment in palliative care as a more ethical and humane option. I will not be voting for legislation that will legalise euthanasia in Queensland."

"I look forward to seeing the draft legislation from the QLRC and any subsequent committee recommendations. I support a conscience vote for all members of the parliament."

"I worked for many years supporting aged care workers before I was elected to Parliament. I saw workers pushed to the limit, I saw people who were desperately worried about their mum and dad; their grandparents and whether they were getting the care they needed, and I saw people suffer. I believe individuals and families should be empowered to consider all the options available in consultation with medical professionals, and that voluntary assisted dying should be one of those options. I'm committed, as part of the Palaszczuk Government, to tackling the big issues, and making the hard decisions, which is why our government will also invest $171 million into a new palliative care plan. That means more nurses, more resources and more care for individuals and families confronting these profoundly complex and personal journeys."

Member for Algester Leeanne Enoch

"Many of us, my family included, have watched loved ones face end of life challenges. It's heartbreaking, it's painful, and sometimes it confronts an individual's sense of dignity. More can be done to provide greater comfort for people approaching the end of their lives. Individuals and families should be empowered to consider all of the options available, in consultation with their medical professionals. I support voluntary assisted dying legislation."

"Voluntary assisted dying is a highly emotional issue for many Queenslanders. As the Member for Bulimba, I will carefully consider the draft legislation, any committee recommendations that may follow and the thoughts of my community."

"Voluntary assisted dying and other end of life choices are extremely complex and deeply personal decisions for every Queenslander and their loved ones to make. It is a choice that I believe every Queenslander should have the right to. That is why I support voluntary assisted dying and will be voting in favour of it when it comes before Parliament."

"As a local member I will listen to the people that I represent. There is no legislation currently before the parliament so there is no legislation or idea on what to vote on. I will wait to see the legislation so my community will know exactly what the legislation will include. My community would expect nothing less."

"I will await the draft legislation from the QLRC and any committee recommendations that may follow. I will vote according to my conscience after listening to my community."

"Voluntary assisted dying is a sensitive issue for all Queenslanders. I acknowledge that the experience of watching a loved-one struggle and succumb to a terminal illness is confronting and heart wrenching. All LNP MPs are right now listening to the people they represent. We are also waiting to see the legislation so we know exactly what we are voting on. Queenslanders would expect nothing less. Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli has already granted all members of the party a conscience vote."

"Voluntary Assisted Dying is a personal issue for my community with a lot of different opinions being voiced on the topic. People are wanting safe legislation that protects vulnerable people in our community while giving choice to people facing end of life. I am looking forward to reading the draft legislation and the committee report before I vote."

Member for McConnel Grace Grace

"I will be looking at the draft legislation when it's available and any report or recommendations the committee may make. I continue to listen to my community on this issue, as I have been, and I will vote according to my conscience and what my community is saying to me."

"Yes".

"Voluntary assisted dying is a sensitive issue for all Queenslanders. LNP MPs are right now listening to the people they represent, the people they'll vote for. They're also waiting to see the legislation so they know exactly what they are voting on. Queenslanders would expect nothing less. Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli has already granted all members of the party a conscience vote."

"Yes".

"While I look forward to reviewing the detail of the QLRC's draft legislation, my personal beliefs are such that I am predisposed to support VAD as an option for capable individuals to choose alongside quality palliative care."

Did not respond.

"Yes unequivocally, my experiences with the passing of both my parents has led me inescapably to the conclusion that the choice to decide how we pass from this world is absolutely vital. Both my late parents would have made very different choices on this matter and to me that dual approach demonstrated why the choice itself is so important."

Will you vote in favour of voluntary assisted dying? "Yes I will."

"Voluntary assisted dying is a sensitive issue for all Queenslanders. LNP MPs are right now listening to the people they represent, the people they'll vote for. They're also waiting to see the legislation so they know exactly what they are voting on. Queenslanders would expect nothing less. Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli has already granted all members of the party a conscience vote."

Member for Traeger Robbie Katter

"No, I do not support the euthanasia of human beings. With regards to end-of-life care, which can no doubt be a very difficult time for an individual and their loved ones, I would like to see greater State and Federal investment in the delivery of palliative care and careful reforms in this field wherever necessary. Furthermore I would like to encourage the Palaszczuk Labor Government to spend as much time on saving lives in Queensland as it does on devising social legislation designed to take lives. For example, the government should be preoccupying itself with investing in and fast-tracking the delivery of dialysis treatment, chemotherapy and CT scanners in all rural and regional hospitals.

See the original post:

MPs reveal how they will vote on voluntary assisted dying - Sunshine Coast Daily

Euthanasia

We read with interest the article Euthanasia the killing of mercy, by Tonio Fenech (January 27). We fully agree that compassion is sticking by the patient.

In our view, hastening death to end suffering and indignity, if that is what the person concerned clearly wishes, is indeed showing compassion and respect for them and in no way precludes sticking with and loving them for as long as they want, nor the opportunity to share forgiveness, give thanks and say goodbye.

We also agree with Fenechs let us debate if we must. That debate should happen now. For people such as Sam Debattista, who is asking society to show empathy and give her control over her life, justice delayed is justice denied.

Palliative care is, of course, the best choice for many and should be their right, if that is what they want.

We would never support pressure on anyone to opt for assisted dying if they are not in an emotional or psychological condition to make an informed, clear choice. Neither would we support euthanasia without an unambiguous prior indication of consent by the person concerned.

Assisted dying and euthanasia do not take away our control over our lives. Clearly, they do the opposite for those who believe they have a right to choose when to end their suffering.

If properly regulated, decisions would not move from the individual to their relatives, doctors etc. Strict controls should ensure that a patients explicit wishes are respected. In the absence of a recorded wish, there should be no authority to proceed. This is why we advocate the introduction of legally-binding advance directives, or living wills, so there is no question about anyones choices.

Finally, Fenech suggests that medicine would need to take a step back from research into more effective palliative care so that research can go towards more effective killing. We disagree; one does not replace the other and methods to help a person die peacefully and at their own request need far less research than yet further advances in palliative care.

Edward Gatt, Sliema, and Joanna Williams, Xagra members of the Malta Humanist Association

Objections filed against Burmarrad roundabout plans

Traffic calming plans? Traffic is already at a standstill at the moment, God knows what there will be in summer. Yes, we need something else to slow traffic on that stretch of road. Malcolm Sammut

Its Infrastructure Malta (Government) against the people. Drin Zerafa

IM and TM keep taking the public for a ride. The attitude is just we rule, you obey. The consultation process is just a fake exercise. The roadworks have created new hazards to the most vulnerable road users. Joe Mallia

While at it, can someone go and see what type of third-world country passageway residents in a block of apartments in Patri Pelaju Mifsud Street, ebbu have to make do with, just because some greedy gnome is opposing to works being carried out? Malcolm Mifsud

Has anyone noticed that the PN is conspicuous by its absence too when it comes to environmental protection? If it were not for some NGOs and some sections of the media, Maltas business tycoons would just trample over the population with no mercy. Patrizio Soluz

ERA stops illegal Dingli roadworks

Infrastructure Malta, the state agency tasked with upgrading Maltas road network, has 15 days from the notice to restore the site to its natural state.

Works were stopped last week by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) after workers spilled some of the soil excavated for the new pipeline over the edge of the road, covering some roadside flora, he said. Unbelievable. A. Formosa

Oooops, Ian Borgs plans have hit a snag, a small one but a snag in any case! Paul Vella

Government institutions playing cat and mouse to justify their existence. V. Buhagiar

Letters to the editor should be sent to editor@timesofmalta.com. Please include your full name, address and ID card number. The editor may disclose personal information to any person or entity seeking legal action on the basis of a published letter.

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Letters to the editor - February 3, 2021 - Times of Malta

Alison Laurie.

I love my job, but sometimes being a vet can be extremely hard. Sadly, this past week I had to say farewell to a favourite patient of mine, who I have known for many years, writes vet Alison Laurie-Chalmers.

It is always a hard decision to let a much-loved pet go.

However, as vets, it is one of the most important duties that we must do for our patients care. Euthanasia, when necessary, is very much part of that lifelong patient care.

Making that decision to say a final goodbye and choosing euthanasia for your beloved pet can be one of the hardest and most difficult decisions you have to face as a pet owner.

But it can also be seen as the last positive, compassionate act that you can give your faithful companion at the end of their life, to relieve them of ongoing, end-stage illness, pain, or suffering. It may be a very necessary release and is a way to humanely, and with some dignity, end any suffering, in a pain-free, previously planned, carefully controlled and peaceful manner.

If you are considering euthanasia for your pet and you are wondering what is involved and whether to be present at the procedure, although difficult, if you can, it is helpful for you as the pet owner to take time to discuss beforehand the usual steps involved with your vet. A discussion prior to the time of euthanasia may help make the final saying goodbye a little less stressful.

It is entirely natural to feel distraught and upset when your pet passes. Do not be embarrassed about showing your emotions, your vet and vet support team will understand and they will expect you to be extremely upset. They will always help and support you during this sad time.

Losing a much-loved pet can be extremely hard to cope with. The emotion and pain of grief can feel overwhelming. This grief can lead to conflicting and confusing emotions, from shock, denial and disbelief to feelings of guilt and even anger. These emotions are quite normal and confirm the special bond between people and their pets.

It is particularly important to give yourself as much time as you need to grieve. You have lost a very special companion here, so missing them is quite natural. Unfortunately, not everyone understands this grief, so it can sometimes feel like a very lonely, depressing experience. Take time to talk things over with supportive friends and family and speak with your vet practice and the advised support networks. Your emotions here are quite natural, so do not feel ashamed or embarrassed of them. Try not to feel guilty, or to blame yourself. The decision for euthanasia is always a very carefully considered one and is always taken with your pets interests at heart and to avoid any further discomfort or suffering. It is important also to remember that, with time, grief eases and its intensity does fade.

For further information and advice on pet euthanasia, do contact your vet. We are here for you and do understand, and we are always here to help, support and listen.

Contact your vet to discuss the procedures in place at your vet practice during these difficult times.

Support is also available from the Pet Bereavement Support Service, a confidential support line open from 8.30am to 8.30pm on 08000 966 606.

Or if you prefer not to speak to anyone, their email support line is pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk

Alison Laurie-Chalmers is a senior consultant at Crown Vets in Inverness.

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Vet Speak: Help is available when it's time to say goodbye - RossShire Journal

Right-wing Liberal backbencher Kevin Andrews the father of the House of Representatives has lost preselection to a barrister and former special forces veteran who served in Afghanistan.

Keith Wolahan, 43, defeated Andrews, 65, who held a number of portfolios in the Howard and Abbott governments, by 181 to 111 for the blue ribbon Victorian seat of Menzies, which Andrews has occupied since he won it at a byelection in 1991.

This was the first time in decades that a federal Liberal member has lost a preselection ballot in Victoria.

His defeat is a blow for the Liberal conservatives, who campaigned hard to shore him up, and will hearten the local Liberal critics of outspoken NSW right-winger Craig Kelly, who has been a thorn in the governments side over COVID and a hardliner on climate issues.

Kelly confirmed to The Conversation on Sunday night that he was seeking another term and was absolutely confident he would have Scott Morrisons support and that of all my colleagues.

Andrews has been a strongly conservative voice on issues ranging from euthanasia and abortion to climate change, and also a player in leadership battles. His last ministerial post was in the defence portfolio in the Abbott government, a job he lost when Malcolm Turnbull became leader.

In the Howard years Andrews introduced the private members bill that quashed the Northern Territorys euthanasia law.

Andrews had endorsements from Morrison, John Howard and Tony Abbott, as well as from a raft of ministerial colleagues, including the deputy Liberal leader Josh Frydenberg. In his letter of endorsement Morrison wrote that Andrews provides wise counsel to ministers and colleagues, including myself.

But the result shows that high profile endorsements dont always impress locals the Menzies preselectors responded to the call for renewal at the centre of Wolahans campaign. It is an embarrassment particularly for Assistant Treasurer and Victorian conservative faction leader Michael Sukkar.

Wolahan has a masters degree in international relations from the University of Cambridge, as well as degrees from Monash and Melbourne universities. He was an army reserve commando he did not serve in the regular army.

He said after the result: Today was a vote by the members for the future.

Frydenberg said: Today the Liberal Party in the seat of Menzies has started a new chapter.

Before the ballot Liberal sources had predicted a close result that could go either way the size of the margin was a surprise.

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Liberal right-winger Kevin Andrews defeated in preselection by Afghanistan veteran - The Conversation AU