Barnaul Veterinarian on Cynical Euthanasia Requests and Rescued Pets

Barnaul veterinarian Natalya Barilo, who has dedicated 15 years to treating animals, has saved countless patients over her years of practice—from cats to turtles. However, as the doctor shared in an interview for NGS22.RU, one of the heaviest and most painful topics in her work remains the issue of euthanasia. She spoke about the reasons why owners decide to euthanize their pets, and also shared stories about animals that were saved from this procedure.

When is euthanasia justified?

The euthanasia procedure, Natalya emphasizes, is performed exclusively for medical reasons. This applies to incurably ill, old animals, pets with progressive cancer diseases, when their suffering becomes unbearable.

Veterinarians categorically refuse euthanasia for healthy animals, even if they show aggression.

— There must be significant indications for this procedure, usually the condition is assessed by a doctor, — says Natalya.

But there are times when medicine is powerless. Especially with severe injuries, when the animal«s suffering becomes unbearable.

— Then, with a heavy heart, we have to make the decision to «release» the patient. It is always difficult, because every veterinarian sincerely loves animals and wants to help them, — clarifies the doctor.

If euthanasia is necessary, the veterinarian always has a conversation with the client, explaining that treatment is ineffective, costly, and will still lead to a lethal outcome.

— Here, of course, no one will insist, the choice is always with the client. The doctor always tries to convey to the owners that the animal«s body has aged, resources are exhausted, and this is a natural physiological process. The general condition of the animal is always confirmed by diagnostics, — notes Natalya.

The question of being present during euthanasia is a personal decision of each owner.

— It all depends on his emotional state and on the value of the animal. For some owners, the pet is like a second child. The euthanasia procedure is most often accompanied by tears, hysterics, and shock, — explains Natalya.

According to her, euthanasia is performed by intravenous administration of a drug. The cost of the procedure for a cat is 2500 rubles (approximately $25 at current rates), for dogs the price depends on weight.

When is euthanasia not needed?

According to the veterinarian, euthanasia is not performed if there is a chance of recovery, or if the animal does not look sick and dying.

— Sometimes they bring us healthy animals that they want to get rid of due to social problems. For example, for reasons such as «the pet became boring,» «we are moving,» or «it messes up.» In such cases, we always refuse, — says Natalya.

She believes that such an attitude towards animals should incur administrative responsibility. When getting a pet, a person takes on obligations for care and upbringing. Behavioral problems, in the veterinarian«s opinion, are often solved with the help of animal psychologists or dog trainers. In extreme situations, the animal can be placed in a shelter.

Natalya also emphasizes that old age in itself is not a reason for euthanasia. This decision can only be made in the presence of severe chronic diseases, when the animal experiences strong suffering, cannot eat, move, or relieve itself on its own.

Personal experience and rescue stories

Natalya told about cases when volunteers bring injured stray animals, or when owners abandon their pets after serious injuries. In such situations, if there is even the slightest chance, veterinarians fight for life. And often this fight ends in victory: animals find new loving families.

— I have had a turtle named Tonya with a deformed beak for over 7 years, which was brought to the clinic by owners who planned to euthanize her. I took her home. She cannot eat on her own, so I feed her by hand. This story is evidence that even in the most difficult situations, when it seems there is no hope, love and care can work miracles, — says the doctor.

Natalya«s clinic often becomes a shelter for abandoned animals.

— There were frequent cases when animals were dumped right in a carrier at the clinic, left in the hallway. We dewormed them, sterilized them, and placed them, — recalls the veterinarian.

So, once they were dumped a hamster, which lived in the clinic for several years. And Natalya«s colleague took in two kittens that kids had almost tortured on the street. Now they have been living with her for almost two years.

— There were cases, abandoned animals that we treated at our own expense, then placed. There are many of them, — adds Natalya, emphasizing that veterinarians often take on not only medical but also social responsibility.

Recently in Altai Krai passed a law on euthanasia of stray dogs. Natalya admits that she has an ambiguous opinion on this matter.

— On one hand, stray animals are doomed to hunger, cold, traffic accidents, and diseases. On the other hand — we have no right to deprive them of life. We do not euthanize stray dogs, that is handled by the veterinary department of Altai Krai, — explains the veterinarian.