עברית
Faith
Is it permissible to euthanize a dog that is suffering greatly?
Question
Hello, esteemed Rabbi,
I have been raising a dog for three years, and this dog has become an inseparable part of my life, with a deep love that I have for him. The dog has a tumor that causes him a lot of suffering. After consulting with many veterinarians, the decision has been made to either amputate a leg or provide chemotherapy treatments that could also lead to the dog’s death. I suffer to see my dog in pain; it causes me deep sorrow in my soul that I am considering euthanasia. I wanted to consult with you, esteemed Rabbi, what should I do because even basic treatments cost thousands of shekels. What should I do? Thank you very much.
Answer
Greetings,
You are permitted to euthanize your dog.
Sources: It is mentioned in the book Dinim VeHanagot Part 2 (page 40, section 4) that one of the household members of the Chazon Ish zt"l was asked about a fly that was fluttering, and he responded: it is necessary to end its life (to prevent its suffering). Likewise, it is raised in Shut U'Shev V'Rafa Part 3 (section 257) that it is permitted and a mitzvah to kill an injured animal in order to lessen its suffering, and Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch shlit"a agrees with this, and to differentiate between lives, Rabbi Meir Yust zt"l. It is also stated in Neshamat Avraham Part 2 (section 38, note 2) and Part 3 (section 5, note 20). Similarly, it was ruled in Shut Asher Chanan Part 8 (section 18).
Bsorot Tovot,
Hillel Meirs
