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Euthanasia of aggressive dogs: ethical considerations
Abstract
Over the last decade, attacks by dangerous dogs on humans and other animals have been on the rise. This has inevitably resulted in greater numbers of aggressive, but otherwise healthy, dogs being presented in practice — often for euthanasia. This article aims to explore the role of the registered veterinary nurse (RVN) in the euthanasia of such patients. Legal and professional accountability with regards to this dilemma will be considered, and ethical frameworks will be discussed, as a way to help guide the RVN in these cases. The role of the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses in dealing with ethical dilemmas will also be highlighted.
Ethics are values or beliefs which dictate what is right or wrong. They may be categorised with respect to the field to which they pertain — be that personal, social, or professional (Morgan and McDonald, 2007). Veterinary ethics have been used in the development of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RVCS) Code of Professional Conduct for both veterinary surgeons (VSs) and registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) in order to provide guidance in their daily professional actions, set the national standards of care and act as a benchmark when dealing with ethical dilemmas (RCVS 2017a; 2017b).
In veterinary practice, ethical considerations predominantly concern the rights and welfare of animals (Busch, 2008). One ethical predicament within veterinary practice is the euthanasia of aggressive, but otherwise healthy, dogs (Tudor, 2013). Aggressive behaviour is the most common behaviour pathology seen in dogs, and one of the main reasons why they are rehomed, abandoned or euthanased (Atkinson and Riccomini, 2008; Polo et al, 2015).
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