Euthanasia in Wildlife Rehabilitation

Abstract

Euthanasia is the act of humanely inducing death in an animal with minimal pain and distress (AVMA 2013). While the decision to euthanize a patient may be based on objective criteria, and the alleviation of suffering may be the ultimate and desired goal, euthanasia is one of the most difficult tasks faced in wildlife medicine. Wildlife caregivers place significant value on animal welfare. The decision to euthanize, therefore, should be given appropriate consideration and should focus on the animal’s best interest. This article explores the ethics of animal euthanasia in wildlife rehabilitation and the methods commonly used to perform the task.