S'pore vet refused to euthanise old dog with heart condition even as the owner insisted

Ethical and professional.

Belmont Lay | May 24, 2020, 03:48 AM

A senior dog in Singapore has had its life spared after it encountered a local veterinary clinic with a heart and policy of giving all animals a chance to get better instead of putting them to sleep at the owner's instruction.

The heartwarming incident was related by the clinic, Gentle Oak Veterinary Clinic, in a Facebook post on Saturday night, May 23.

The clinic in Ghim Moh said the dog, Poppy, was brought in on Saturday by its owner for the sole purpose of wanting the pet to be euthanised.

The owner had apparently had enough of caring for the senior dog, which has a heart condition that requires the daily feeding of pills.

The vet, however, was of the opinion that Poppy should undergo treatment first to monitor its condition for improvements, as the dog still appeared alert.

The dog was eventually surrendered to the clinic and is currently cared for by one of the nurses.

The clinic put up its post as a call for a fosterer or adopter, who has experience with geriatric dogs and/ or dogs with heart disease.

The exact age of the dog was not mentioned.

You can read the full post here:

Poppy was brought to us for euthanasia today. His owner did not want to manage his heart condition as she finds it too challenging and burdensome to feed him pills daily. We advised the owner to at least give Poppy a few days to see if he responds to treatment. The owner insisted that he will not survive and that it is best to just put him to sleep. We decided against euthanasia as Poppy is still bright. We feel that he has the right to live and deserves to receive medical treatment at the very least. The owner eventually surrendered Poppy to us. He perked up after treatment and is currently being cared for by one of our nurses. We are urgently looking for a fosterer or adopter who is willing to open up their heart and home to this old man. Someone with experience with geriatric dogs and/or dogs with heart disease is preferred. Please help us share this post to help give Poppy a second chance at life! Potential fosterers or adopters may contact us via Facebook message or email us at [email protected]. πŸ™πŸΌπŸΎ

Background

This post comes in the wake of a recent case in Singapore involving a young dog being euthanised by a family, supposedly over the dog's behavioural issues.

The vet that conducted the euthanasia, as well as the family involved, were put under intense scrutiny by animal lovers here, who have also called for a relooking of animal euthanasia policy.

Law and home affairs minister, K Shanmugam, who is known to speak up about animal welfare issues, eventually stepped in calling for calm as investigations are still ongoing.

Top photo by Tori Ang and Gentle Oak Veterinary Clinic's Facebook page