Healthy dog euthanized for burial with owner, sparks debate

[left-of-center2012]

Veterinarians and funeral homes in Virginia are rejecting the idea that pets should be buried with their owners after a recent case in which a healthy dog was euthanized so it could lie with her owner.

WWBT-TV in Richmond reports workers at one animal shelter tried to talk the executor of the estate out of the plan. They failed and the Shih Tzu mix named Emma was euthanized and cremated. The dog’s ashes were placed in an urn and given to the estate’s representative.

Dr. Kenny Lucas says while it’s an emotional situation, he said his clinic won’t do it.
“Whenever we’re faced with a euthanasia situation, it’s a very emotional situation - and beyond everything we talk about - that we need to do ethically, and we’ve taken an oath to do.” Lucas said. “It weighs on us as professionals.”

At his funeral home, Larry Spiaggi, president of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association said:
“I am licensed by the state of Virginia, so I have a license on the line with the Health Professionals Board,” Spiaggi said. “So I cannot do it (euthanize a healthy animal).”

Virginia law generally forbids burying pets with humans.

https://www.apnews.com/bc88137209b94f33b0be24eea7f98306

[Turbineguy]

1. How Faraoh-like.

[beaglelover]

2. This is SO WRONG! I could never do that to my fur babbies.

I'll see them again when they cross the rainbow bridge to join me.

[spanone]

3. Frickin' ridiculous

and cruel. That dog should haunt him through eternity

[Liberal In Texas]

4. This is disgusting. What's wrong with people?! n/t

[dameatball]

5. If it was Chesterfield Animal Services that euthanized the dog, they should be charged with the

appropriate crime, whatever that might be. From the article, it does seem they caved to the owner's wishes. Not sure I read this article correctly.