The Kerala government has decided to allow local authorities to carry out euthanasia of stray dogs suffering from serious diseases, using provisions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules, 2023. This decision has sparked debate on the ethical and legal aspects of euthanasia in India.
What is Euthanasia?
- Euthanasia means intentionally ending the life of an individual to relieve pain and suffering due to incurable or terminal illness.
- It can only be performed by a medical professional and is classified into two types:
- Active Euthanasia: Deliberate use of substances or means (like lethal injection) to end life.
- Passive Euthanasia: Withholding or withdrawing medical treatment or life support to let death occur naturally.
Legal Provisions in India
- Section 8 of the Animal Husbandry Rules (2023) allows euthanasia for animals that are severely ill, injured, or pose a threat of spreading disease.
- A licensed veterinarian must confirm that keeping the animal alive would cause more suffering.
Supreme Court Judgments
- 2011: In the Aruna Shanbaug case, the Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia in specific cases.
- 2018: The Court upheld the “Right to Die with Dignity” under Article 21, legalizing passive euthanasia for terminal patients.
- It laid down rules for advance directives and for doctors to decide withdrawal of life support in genuine cases.
Conclusion:
Euthanasia in India is legally permitted only in passive form, under strict medical and legal oversight, to safeguard the dignity of terminally ill individuals or animals.
