I just found this when looking up bible information thought I would share.

[What does the Bible say about animal/pet euthanasia?

Question: "What does the Bible say about animal/pet euthanasia?"

Answer: While the Bible nowhere explicitly addresses animal/pet euthanasia, there are definitely some biblical principles that apply. In While the Bible nowhere explicitly addresses animal/pet euthanasia, there are definitely some biblical principles that apply. In Genesis 1:26 God declares, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Essentially, as the highest order of created beings on the earth, humanity has full authority over all other creatures on the planet. While having dominion over the animals includes the right to kill animals for food (Genesis 9:2), it goes far beyond that. We are caretakers/stewards of God’s creation. We are all, in a sense, to be shepherds over the creatures that share this planet with us.

The Bible makes it clear that we are to treat animals with dignity, respect, and mercy. Proverbs 12:10 states, “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal…” The responsibility to be merciful to animals was exempt from the command to not work on the Sabbath day: “If one of you has . . . an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out?” (Luke 14:5). The Bible also indicates that when an animal is a threat to people or other animals, it should be put to death (Exodus 21:28-35).

With these principles in mind, a biblical practice of animal/pet euthanasia can be developed. We are to be merciful to animals, and we have the authority to end the lives of animals. So, if euthanizing an animal would be a merciful act, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. If we see an animal suffering, with no hope of recovery, the most merciful thing we could do is quickly and as painlessly as possible end its life. We are also free to do everything we can to preserve an animal’s life. But, again, when the time comes, and the most reasonable and merciful thing to do is to euthanize the animal, it is absolutely a decision God has given us the authority to make. Figuratively speaking, sometimes the only way to get an animal out of the “pit” it has fallen into is to end its life.

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In His Service
Theresa
and Amberleah Lou Lou

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thou shall not kill

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"I told him that if a lady who doesn't cook can make such yummy Jerky for Dexter then we can do it too" - Lynx8456

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*grabs popcorn, sits back and watches the show*

Sorry that you got a cheeky answer to something that you were obviously serious about and that meant something to you, Theresa.

As a person who had to make this decision just over a year ago, I really could not have imagined how difficult it would be. In retrospect we should have done it a week sooner but we just could not do it. We wrestled if we were doing the right thing. Could he get better? Had we done everything? I thought that day that my heart would break apart. I agree with you that our babies that we have gotten since have helped ease the pain and slowly our hearts have mended. They have taken Mick's space but they will never take his place.

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photos-Jennifer Hague, fixyourimages.com

When I had to put my Pomeranian Sissy down, 10 months ago I had very hard time with it and if God would be mad or if he be OK because I put her to sleep so she didn't suffer any more and when I seen this It made me feel better and thought Id share it. I love God with all my heart and soul and try to do as He wants me too!! it mad me sad when the article was being made fun of. No body wants to put there baby to sleep at all but some times we have to.

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In His Service
Theresa
and Amberleah Lou Lou

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I hope you don't mean me jesuschick!! I was referring to the comment before me.

My mom and I had to put down our rescue on December 4th 2011, so just a little while ago. It was the most devastating thing we have ever done and actually I didn't post on it on the forum because I felt so incredibly guilty about it and I cry every time I think about it. The guilt consumes me every day and my mom still cries every day, which is so hard to watch. But Bella was in pain, and although we feel guilty we still feel like we released her of her suffering.

I def agree that there are times that it is MORE HUMANE to put an animal to sleep than to let it live. I've had to do it twice. It's heart breaking but it would have been unjust to keep them alive just to make me feel better.

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Gunner - 9 month old Blue Chi
Hercules - 3 yr old Boston Terrier

Theresa, I appreciate your posting this, and you are kind to want to give comfort to others who may be feeling guilty for having to make a VERY painful decision. It is one thing to feel hurt and saddness and an emptiness when you lose a beloved pet to death, but when you have had to make the decision to end their suffering you should not have to feel guilt along with your sorrow for making a merciful and selfless choice.

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"A dog wags its tail with its heart." Martin Buxbaum