Animal euthanasia is the act of killing an animal humanely with injectable drugs. This method is commonly used for pets and animals in shelters to ease their pain and stop them from suffering from illness or serious injuries. Taiwan has adopted a zero-euthanasia approach, except for a few exceptions since 2017, when an amendment to the Animal Protection Act took effect( Huang. Taiwan to revisit euthanasia rules for Stray Animals: Taiwan news: 2022-07-13). This shows the way of thinking about the ethical side of euthanasia, especially for animals without homes. However, it gives a challenge of finding a balance between showing mercy to animals and thinking what is really good, or let’s say right, for our society. Some may argue that this approach is inhumane and  keeping those animals alive is the best way to deal with the problem for there will be absolutely no killing. It sounds reasonable that no killing equals no mercy. However, euthanasia is actually a way for pet animals and shelter animals to relieve pain in a more moral way.

      One of the primary reasons animal euthanasia should be allowed for pets and shelter animals is its potential to alleviate their pain and lessen the burden on humans. A true example from my own family involves our dog, Hamburger, who suffered from kidney disease. Because of the lack of health insurance for pets, the related expenses take up a role as a significant financial strain on our family. Considering the dog's age and her state of illness, we thought euthanasia was a humane option. Unfortunately, at that time, animal euthanasia was not allowed, compelling us to witness our dog's natural passing. Regrettably, this experience left our family members emotionally distressed, as watching our beloved pet suffering from this torture. If euthanasia is allowed, people will intend to alleviate animals’ torture. Supporters of allowing animal euthanasia argue that it helps pet owners make tough decisions with care and practicality, ensuring their animal friends don't suffer needlessly. It also provides a kind option for animals facing serious health issues, promoting a sense of responsibility and compassion among pet owners. Allowing euthanasia for animals is seen as a compassionate and responsible approach, bringing comfort to both pets and their human caretakers during difficult times. In this way, there will be less Hamburgers and more families like us in the world.

      Additionally, animal euthanasia offers a potential solution to the problem of overbreeding, particularly in situations where groups of dogs or other animals gather in remote areas due to humans paying no attention. This phenomenon represents environmental concerns, including resource shortages and disruptions to ecological balance. Due to a controversial issue, especially for Animal Protection Associations (APAs) , with concerns of ethnicity and animal welfare, the legalization of euthanasia is crucial for the well-being of animals. Animal euthanasia (can be used to manage our society.)corresponds with the best interests of animals when it offers a moral meaning of managing overpopulation to avoid the future environmental strain on society. In fact, APA face difficulties involving striking a balance between protecting animals and coping with social concerns related to overbreeding. Thus, implementing euthanasia as a useful measure prioritizes animal interests and addresses overpopulation. In order to establish restrictions and guidelines for the appropriate and ethical use of euthanasia in controlling animal  populations and developing environmental sustainability is a crucial move of improving our society.

      Some people disagree with animal euthanasia for it obeys the rule of morality and increases killing. They may be concerned about the potential disruptions in the natural order and the risk of species extinction. In some areas or some regions, people are over-reducing the population of specific animals, such as Macacas in Thailand. Simultaneously, caretakers of stray animal shelters are now struggling with food shortages and financial burdens. To be practical, euthanasia is indeed a workable solution to alleviate stress and prevent animals from starvation. To handle those concerns, it is a must for people who set regulations with clear and comprehensive guidelines. Governments or people in regulatory positions must set up regulations that cite the conditions and qualifications for animal euthanasia. Measures above are not only vital for species from going extinct but also for achieving a balance between environmental stability and a more-human-way treatment. We should all pay attention in order to achieve the goal of animal euthanasia. By doing so, we can then use euthanasia in a responsible way. This underlines the need for a balanced approach in managing human actions and preservation of all kinds of creatures.

      Pets are sometimes more than a role of a company but even families to human beings. Some of them grew up with us and accompanied us through the most energetic and wonderful adventure of growing up; While some are always by our side when we get old with bodies that can no longer travel around different places. Allowing euthanasia is actually a kind way for pets and shelter animals to end their lives peacefully. Euthanasia is a choice for us human beings. The choice meant to ensure a calm and pain-free farewell for older or sick animals in our houses. This caring option also applies to shelter animals, giving them a way to face some difficulties in life. Although some people may disagree on the rightness of animal euthanasia, letting our animal friends have a peaceful and painless end does help make the world more caring and understanding. 

 

Tzu-ti, H. . Taiwan to revisit euthanasia rules for Stray Animals: Taiwan news: 2022-07-13