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Αρχές βιοηθικής και ευθανασία ζώων συντροφιάς (Master thesis)

Δελησταμάτης, Βασίλειος

Euthanasia of companion animals is generally a lawful practice compa-tible with traditional culture. However, it is a crucial bioethical issue nowadays, since it is not always individually or socially acceptable. In the first part of Thesis, principal western ethical theories of human-animal relationship are presented: a) contractarianism, b) utilitarianism, c) deontology and animal rights, d) animal liberation. In addition, the multifaceted role of pets and the tendency to consider them as equal members of modern human family are discussed. In the second part, animal euthanasia is defined and is compared to human euthanasia through the course of history. The reasons, as well as current scientific data, for dog and cat euthanasia are presented. The responsible role of veterinarians is described and the current Greek legislation is presented in detail. In the third part, specific bioethical parameters and dilemmas for the undermentioned practices are discussed: a) Euthanasia of compa-nion animals with incurable and/or terminal diseases and who takes responsibility for the decision (veterinarian vs. owner).b) Eutha-nasia of healthy companion animals or with curable diseases ("conve-nience euthanasia”). Emerging bioethical dilemmas combined with possible alternatives to animal welfare.c) Euthanasia of healthy stray dogs and cats, as a controversial practice with immense ethical considerations.