BVA survey highlights problem of healthy pets being euthanised

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has released new figures showing how often companion animal vets are being asked to euthanise healthy pets.

It was shown that 53 percent of vets questioned by the organisation said this was not a rare occurrence, with 98 percent of those who had been asked to do so saying the owner had cited the pet's behaviour as the reason.

These issues can include persistent barking and howling, destructive chewing and inappropriate toileting, as well as aggressive behaviour towards both people and other pets.

BVA president Sean Wensley said: "Vets are not required to euthanise healthy animals at an owner's request, but sometimes, having carefully considered all options and given the circumstances the pet finds themselves in, it may be in an animal’s best interests to do so."

He added that these figures demonstrate the importance of adequate socialisation of animals at an early age, with young pets needing to safely encounter a variety of people, animals and everyday sights and sounds in their first few weeks and months. 

Many veterinary practices now offer puppy socialisation classes to help with this, as this can avoid any unnecessary euthanisation later down the line.

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