Category Archives: Euthanasia

In a bid to increase pet adoptions and reduce euthanasia rates at Morgan County Animal Control, newly hired Director Darren Tucker has expanded adoption hours to include Saturday.

Tucker said the shelter took in 108 dogs and 103 cats during his first month on the job. It surrendered 17 cats and 12 dogs to rescue groups and adopted out another three cats and five dogs to new homes.

It also euthanized 42 dogs and 66 cats, he said. Noting that some animals are not adoptable for health reasons and that the shelter has limited space and resources, Tucker called euthanasia at the public shelter a necessary evil.

But he also said he is hoping to reduce the shelters euthanasia rates by increasing adoptions and encouraging more county residents to spay and neuter their pets.

The shelter is now open from 9 to 11:30 a.m. each Saturday, starting this past weekend. Normally, the shelter, located in Hartselle, has been only open for adoptions 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tucker said he is hopeful the expanded hours allow more people to visit the shelter, increasing the odds of pets getting adopted.

Were blessed to have a lot of no-kill shelters that come through here, but just to be perfectly honest, if you have two or three rescue groups that come through and then you have people who want to adopt a dog come through and that animal is still in the kennel, it doesnt look good, and you can only keep them for so long, he said.

Tucker is also planning an open house from 8:30 a.m. to noon July 29 to help raise awareness about the shelter and its animals which he said is the greatest challenge for the moment and to educate the public about the importance of vaccinations, the countys leash laws, and the need to spay and neuter pets.

A lot of people arent aware that in the county we have a leash law, he said.

While prices have not been solidified, the open house will feature reduced-cost adoptions, pending the results of fundraising efforts through the sale of T-shirts and animal-identification microchips.

Tucker said a local veterinarian technician is volunteering her services to microchip pets for a reduced cost of about $15 during the open house. The revenue will help reduce adoption costs, he said, and pet owners are asked to schedule microchipping in advance to ensure there are enough time slots.

Tucker said he is also taking pre-orders for T-shirts as part of a fundraiser to reduce adoption costs. Current adoption prices are $110 for a dog and $80 for a cat. That covers the cost of spaying and neutering, health checks and vaccinations.

May numbers at the shelter were up from March, when the shelter took in 65 dogs, 22 cats, turned over 24 to rescue groups and euthanized nine dogs and eight cats, according to County Commission Chairman Ray Long.

At Decatur Animal Services, Kennel Manager Kari Hallman said adoption rates and dropoffs generally increase this time of year, because of litter season and because kids are out of school for the summer and more likely to adopt.

The Decatur shelter took in 90 cats and 139 dogs in May. It euthanized 26 dogs, including 11 sick or injured and 15 feral dogs, and 60 cats, including 15 that were aggressive toward people or other animals, 28 sick or injured, 10 feral cats and seven at their owner's request.

For anyone looking to adopt an animal that might not otherwise find an owner, Hallman said adult dogs and cats, especially black ones, are at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting the eye of a potential new owner.

They dont even see them. They tend to walk by them and go to the brown dog, she said.

Additionally, dogs with any health problems are less likely to be adopted, she said.

No one wants high euthanasia rates, said Brian Lundberg, manager of Decatur Animal Services. I think the best answer is the most obvious, spay and neuter awareness, and actually practicing it.

Lundberg said most people do a good job at that, but we need everyone onboard to make real tangible progress.

Read the rest here:

New Morgan animal shelter director wants to curb euthanasia ... - The Decatur Daily

Support for Euthanasia Holds Steady

Sign up for free daily updates

Monday, June 12, 2017

Massachusetts is the latest state considering whether to legalize physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients, and just over half of Americans support such a law.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 51% of American Adults favor allowing voluntary euthanasia in the state where they live. Twenty-nine percent (29%) are opposed to such a law, but a sizable 20% remain undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want afree daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available onTwitterorFacebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on June 6-7, 2017 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted byPulse Opinion Research, LLC. Seemethodology.

OR

Rasmussen Reports is a media company specializing in the collection, publication and distribution of public opinion information.

We conduct public opinion polls on a variety of topics to inform our audience on events in the news and other topics of interest. To ensure editorial control and independence, we pay for the polls ourselves and generate revenue through the sale of subscriptions, sponsorships, and advertising. Nightly polling on politics, business and lifestyle topics provides the content to update the Rasmussen Reports web site many times each day. If it's in the news, it's in our polls. Additionally, the data drives a daily update newsletter and various media outlets across the country.

Some information, including the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll and commentaries are available for free to the general public. Subscriptions are available for $4.95 a month or 34.95 a year that provide subscribers with exclusive access to more than 20 stories per week on upcoming elections, consumer confidence, and issues that affect us all. For those who are really into the numbers, Platinum Members can review demographic crosstabs and a full history of our data.

To learn more about our methodology, click here.

Read the original here:

Support for Euthanasia Holds Steady - Rasmussen Reports - Rasmussen Reports

A UK actress has announced she is seriously pondering euthanasia due to fears of being a burden when she can no longer care of herself. From the Manchester Evening News story:

Actress Claire King had revealed that she is considering euthanasia after being diagnosed with a degenerative disease. Claire, who plays Erica Holroyd in Corrie, suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease where the bodys own immune system attacks the joints.

The 54-year-old actress developed rheumatoid arthritis in the early 90s and she has had joints removed and plates put in her fingers as a result of the condition. Former Emmerdale star Claire, who is divorced and has no children, worries about becoming a burden when she gets older and understands why people consider assisted dying.

Speaking with the Sunday Mirror she said: I can understand why people choose assisted dying and its getting to the point where I would consider it myself. Im not going to be hurting any offspring as I havent got any. Most of my family will be gone. Its not a selfish thing. Its a decision at a certain age, when youre becoming a burden to others.

We can all empathize with those fears. But note: Kingsdesire to die has to do withexistential anguish, not unbearable pain, which is euthanasias selling point.

Studies from Oregon and Canada show that the request to die is overwhelmingly caused by such anguish. But heres the thing: Such despaircan often be alleviatedwith appropriate mental health and sociological interventions.

But in our rush to honor lethal choice, we often deny people the very help that could restore their desire to live.

Worse, when we say, Of course you want to die, here are your poison pills or lethal jabwe confirm the despairing persons worst fears about themselves. In essence, we are telling them: Yes, you are a burden. Yes, your life isnt worth living. Yes, we are better off if you are dead.

Euthanasia is many things, but true compassionwhich means to suffer withisnt one of them.

Excerpt from:

Euthanasia Abandons Despairing People to Worst Fears - National Review

As much as their owners would like them to, pets don't live forever at some point, many people are forced tohavea difficult conversation with their veterinarian about euthanasia.

Dr. Ted Morris spoke with Daybreak Alberta this week about when it's time to consider putting your pet down.

Here is an edited version of their conversation.

Q. How often do you see pet owners struggle with this?

A.All the time. It's a really difficult decision for people to make and it's a really personal one.

Some people don't want to watch their pets go downhill at all. They want their memories of their pet to be when they were happy and healthy.

There's the flip side of that, some people won't let go until they know they've exhausted every possible avenue of treatment.

Veterinary students examine a cat at the CUPS pet health clinic. Dr. Ted Morris says quality of life is the most important thing to consider when it may be time to put your pet down. (CBC)

Q. How symbolic is putting a dog down?

A.It's a feeling of giving up. There's so much emotion wrapped up in it.Even with my own dog, I probably waited a week too long before bringing her in.

Q. What are some warning signs to watch for?

A.Look for symptoms like around the clock pain,daily vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite not eating for 2 days or more andnot being able to still do things that make them happy.

Q. When do you performeuthanasia with the pet owner present?

A.It's a mix. Many do stay. I would allow for owners to make decisions about the process. Whether it's bringing in a group of friends, lighting candles, saying prayers or playing music.

I'm notorious for turning euthanasias into wakes, if I can. We will do whatever you need.

Q. What do you say to those who refuse the process of euthanasia?

A.Whether a moral or religious issue, the focus then becomes palliative and longevity care. I'd recommend using a lot of painkillers.

If you have the time or dedication to do it, there's absolutely nothing wrong with hospice care.The only thing that's unacceptable is to do nothing.

We owe it to [animals], as compassionate pet owners, to do something to ease their end of life.

Q. When have you declined putting a pet down?

A.First, I'll find out what's going on, and see if there's an issue to be worked on.

The time I really won't do it is if it's for what vets call a "convenience-euthanasia," which is basically someone saying,"I don't want this perfectly healthy animal anymore. There's nothing wrong with them, but I just don't want them."

Euthanasiatakes a bit of an emotional toll.

Q. Does it take a toll on you?

A.It's sad every time. I've known a lot of animalsfor their whole lives.I reserve it for pets who need it.

With files from Daybreak Alberta

The rest is here:

Pet euthanasia: Finding peace putting animals down - CBC.ca

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

Read more:

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

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."

Read more:

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

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

Visit link:

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

STACEY KIRK

Last updated05:00, June 11 2017

NZN VIDEO

Parliament to debate a bill that would allow voluntary euthanasia.

OPINION: In politics, timing is everything.

And the clock has begun ticking on a time-bomb that has lain dormant in Parliament's infamous biscuit tin for more than a year.

ACT leader David Seymour's bill to legalise euthanasia waspulled from the members' bill ballot on Thursday. The extent to which itdetonates in the coming monthswill depend purely on old-fashioned politicking.

Euthanasia is a debate this country has had before. It's divisive, emotive and a hugely important debate to be had over personal rightsthat should not be shiedaway from.

READ MORE: *MPs to vote on euthanasia *Euthanasiamay be answer to incurable pain *Euthanasiaexpert set to tour NZ *Most Kiwis support euthanasia *Stuff Nation: Your stance on euthanasia

It's also an issue that polls have shown considerable public support for, particularly among New Zealand's older population - an important voting bloc for National.

MARION VAN DIJK/FAIRFAX NZ

ACT leader David Seymour's euthanasia bill has been pulled from the ballot. He'll put up a hard fight to get it through each hurdle, even if it creates a headache for the party he's dependent on to remain in Parliament.

A select committee inquiry into the matter has already garnered the most amount of public submissions in history - 20,000 - and the findings of that won't have any affect on whether the law changes.

But this time it's real, and four months out from an election - which National makes no bones about seeing as a race to hold the middle ground - is not the time it would have chosen to have Prime Minister Bill English's staunch social conservatismon display.

Seymour is already manoeuvring to box National into a corner, away from filibustering his bill into oblivionahead of the September Election.

1 NEWS

Matt Vickers says, "When Lecretia took her case in 2015 she was hoping to galvanise political action".

Between now and when the house rises on August 17there's three Members Days left - days set aside to debate members billsnot on the Government's agenda.

There might be a temptation to make it the problem of the next Government.

National could do that by developing a sudden interest in bills it had previously deemedtoo insignificant to adopt itself.

It would call on its MPs to fill every second of their allocated speaking time;drawing out debate to push euthanasia's first reading into the nextparliamentary term.

It would be a cynical attempt to inoculateEnglish and other senior ministers from a divisive issue that could affect vote share in their own electorates.

Seymour and campaigners would rightly pounce, using every opportunity to highlight that cynicism and leverage it into an election issue.

For that reason,it may not be a wise move.

Seymour needs to get it past three readings, one at a time. National could well decide to wave it through the first before term ends, and park it in select committee.

The campaign line being thereafter: "We're happy to have a debate about this, that's why we've voted it through to committee. The public will get their say, we'll hear all the evidence, and can make an informed decision once that's happened." (Whispers:"next parliamentary term".)

From then, it's aconscience vote and all bets are off. Rough straw polls put the split in the House at 33 MPs who currentlysupport the bill, 27 who do not and 37 who were either undecided, or not publicly disclosing their position.

And it pays not to make the mistake of simply thinking it comes down to a liberal vs conservative divide.

The Greens and Labour certainly see an opportunity to detract from the economic story English and Finance Minister Steven Joyce would like to fight the campaign on.

But where many might assume they represent the more socially progressive parties, there is concern among their MPs that the euthanasia bill must afford adequate protection for the mentally ill and vulnerable.

It's the rule of politics: the advantage lies with who gets to draw the battle lines.

Then comes the grenade.

-Sunday Star Times

Read more:

Stacey Kirk: Euthanasia threatens to shift election battleground - Stuff.co.nz

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

More here:

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 ...

See more here:

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