Vets are asked to put healthy pets to sleep
Almost all companion animal vets have been asked to euthanise healthy pets, with half (53 per cent) saying this was not a rare occurrence and 98 per cent of those citing the owner’s reason as their pet’s behaviour.
Problem behaviours vets can see include persistent barking and howling, destructive chewing and inappropriate toileting.
Aggressive behaviour, towards both people and other pets, is also a problem.
The figures, obtained during BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, which polled over 700 vets across the UK, also highlight the burden that is placed on vets every day when they are faced with euthanising healthy animals.
BVA says that these figures overwhelmingly show the importance of adequate socialisation of animals at an early age. Many veterinary practices now offer puppy socialisation classes to help with this.
British Veterinary Association President Sean Wensley said: “These figures are stark and are likely to come as a shock to members of the public. “But this is the sad reality of a failure to socialise animals from the earliest possible age – a specific time in a puppy’s development which has a significant impact on their future temperament and behaviour. With dogs, this process starts from before a puppy.
“In recent months there has been a litany of news stories about the illegal importation, breeding and trading of puppies through puppy farms. “This is no way for a family pet to start life and we urge potential owners to thoroughly research where a puppy has been born and reared, using the AWF/RSPCA Puppy contract to help.
“Then, in the first year of ownership, and especially in the first few weeks, work with your local veterinary practice to ensure your puppy is introduced to everyday sights and sounds, including other people and animals, in a safe and structured way.”
Owners often offered a number of reasons when requesting euthanasia for their healthy pet, with surveyed vets saying that some of the most common reasons they were given included poor health of the owner (48 per cent), owners moving to accommodation that is unsuitable for their pet (39 per cent), and legal enforcement reasons (32 per cent).