The Question of Euthanasia of Animals

　　by Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel

　　In this post a reader describes the complex emotions around her pet”s illness as she ponders a decision to euthanize, or not. Elizabeth, a horse owner herself, looks at the issue through the lens of cause and effect, and the open questions Buddhism asks us to investigate around this topic.

　　Question:

　　I am addressing you with my concerns about animal euthanasia since I know you to be a lover and owner of horses. My dear, 16-year-old dog is ill and dying, and I watch her physical suffering as she gets closer and closer to her end. The tumors in her nose are bleeding and her breathing is labored. The weight loss is dramatic, though she still can eat little bits and walk with some difficulty and assistance.

　　I am a new Buddhist, soon hoping to become Kongtrul Rinpoche”s formal student, and thus newly exploring rebirth and death within Buddhist teachings, and exploring the meaning of my Bodhisattva vow. As a life-long animal owner, I had practiced euthanasia before with dogs, cats and farm animals. This killing at a remove (via veterinarian) is something I want to renounce. I have been determined to let my dog choose her own time of passing. Taking a life is abhorrent and yet I am struggling with the option that I could deliver her out of her suffering with a shot. I want to do what is best for this life companion of mine and I feel caught between two cultures in a way.

　　As I watch her suffer and sit with her and practice Tonglen and try my own fumbling at unfamiliar prayers, there is some momentary peacefulness, she does settle a bit. I think I have rushed to write this letter to you because you have also spoken about the value of bearing witness. How much of my quandary is my inability to bear witness to her suffering, (compassion must also be part of it), how much is coming from a lingering belief that euthanasia is a compassionate option, and how much is coming from my doubt and lack of confidence in rebirth and that idea I should not interfere with her transition into another life

　　It is very hard to hold an open question with all these facets and seeming choices, in the face of my little animal”s physical torment. Can you tell me if Buddhism ever allows euthanasia of an animal

　　 And yet if there was a yes , it would not necessarily provide me with any clarity. Can you point me in the direction of the most compassionate practice

　　Thank you Elizabeth, a friend.

　　Dear Friend,

　　I am so, so sorry to hear about your beloved dog and your question is so poignant and heart-felt. What you are asking comes up so very often in the context of the Buddhist practice as we struggle to care for our animal friends.

　　In fact, I have often asked myself this question too. Over a year ago I lost my mare. She was young and it happened suddenly. I was out of town when she colicked suddenly. No one could reach me because I was out of cell phone range and the electricity where I was had gone out due to a storm. The vet wanted to put her down but my friend knew that I would want to give her the best fighting chance possible…so they waited. Meanwhile, they gave her morphine and she died on her own soon after.

　　When I brought home my most recent horse the question and responsibility has continued to weigh on me as I have wondered what I would do if such a thing were to happen again and the situation was prolonged. It has become normative to put down horses immediately when they can”t walk, as there is no way for them to actually survive. So I have to say, it is still a question for me. But I know I would do absolutely everything I could to make my horse, cat or dog comfortable and really give them the best fighting chance. Because animals do fight to survive…and they know how to let go w…

《The Question of Euthanasia of Animals》全文未完，請進入下頁繼續閱讀…