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Considering Euthanasia for Pet Behaviour Problems

Considering euthanasia for behavioural problems is particularly stressful. You may have tried absolutely everything to help your pet but finally reached the conclusion that it is in the best interests of everyone concerned to have the pet put to sleep.

Other than legally enforced euthanasia of animals, the decision rests totally with those who are responsible for the animal. This chapter does not intend to give advice or influence the reader in any way; what is written must be seen only as aspects you may wish to consider within the weights and balances of your own decision-making process.

Firstly, it is incredibly stressful for guardians to witness aggressive behaviour in their pet. Often the immediate reaction is to get the animal to the vet and request euthanasia for fear of them inflicting further damage. This reaction is totally understandable because everyone has to ensure that no one is injured or seriously threatened by any animal in their care.

It is worth looking at whether we react or respond during stressful events, because these can have totally different outcomes:

Reactivity is immediate, adrenaline driven, and often triggered by fear, upset, shock, or anger. It’s what we do without thinking, and it leads to snap decisions.

Responding is more measured and slower, allowing time to take on board what has happened and to think clearly about the situation. It means we can weigh the situation and reason things through before making an important decision.

We may later regret making a snap decision about euthanizing a pet that has reacted aggressively when it becomes clear that the reasons for the unexpected and out-of-character behaviour were not fully explored. For this reason, in order to get a fuller picture, sometimes animal behaviourists suggest that guardians safely and humanely contain the pet to avoid further incidents and give themselves 48 hours to calm down after the worrying event.

A timeout allows you to think things through, away from the pressure and opinions of other people, and to seek professional advice so that you can understand the cause of the unwanted behaviour before responding. For example, on reflection it may become clear that the animal was put in a situation in which it couldn’t cope so it reacted from fear.

The standard advice in animal care is to avoid assumptions and ask a vet to make a thorough examination of a pet when there are any sudden or gradual changes in behaviour, as there may be a physical reason. For example, a horse or dog deemed dangerous or uncontrollable may be suffering pain from an undetected injury or underlying illness.

Your vet may refer you to a suitably qualified and experienced animal behaviourist to further assess the animal so that you can make an informed decision about your pet’s future. Alternatively, you can find a suitable behaviourist through accredited UK organizations such as those listed below. Be sure to ask whether the trainer or behaviourist has experience in, and a proven track record of successfully working with, the relevant issue:

• The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)
• The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)
• The International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC)

Pet behaviourists and vets have the unenviable task of recommending euthanasia when no satisfactory solution can be found within the given circumstances. Having the animal rehomed may seem an easier or better idea on the surface, and will distance you from the difficult decision about euthanasia, but ultimately securing the kindest and safest option for the pet is the priority, even if this means having them gently put to sleep.

Sadly, when animals deemed to be dangerously aggressive are passed on to someone else, they usually take their problems with them, and once they are no longer in your care, you have no say in how they will be treated and whether they will be subjected to abuse. Some rescue centres are unable to take dogs with a bite history. Those that are able to accept them with a view to rehabilitation will probably have many dogs awaiting forever homes that do not have a history of having bitten. Consequently, the animals with complex behavioural problems are likely to have to wait longer in what can be an extremely stressful and unfamiliar environment.

If the behavioural problem is non-aggressive, such as severe separation anxiety in dogs, or incessant screeching in a parrot, then rehoming to a family or welfare organization that can offer specialized and sensitive care may be a possibility. This would need a full consultation and assessment by a veterinary professional and/or animal behaviourist, who could consequently offer advice and possibly refer you to a suitable sanctuary or rehoming centre that has the capacity to rehabilitate your pet before finding them a forever home.

If your pet came from an animal rescue organization, check whether they offer support and/or assessment of behavioural issues, as they may be able to help with advice and guidance.

In Conclusion

To reiterate, when considering end-of-life issues for pets, it is important to always keep in mind the question, “What is best for this animal?” This applies whether the pet is terminally ill, severely injured, deteriorating due to old age, or suffering from behavioural problems for which no appropriate solution has been found. Understandably, it is incredibly difficult to lose an otherwise healthy pet due to behavioural problems, but knowing that you explored all options and sought professional advice before agreeing to euthanasia can offer some reassurance during this stressful time. It may help to remember that securing a compassionate death can be a final act of kindness, however difficult it is for those left behind.