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AIBU?

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Original poster

Why do we put animals out of their misery but let humans suffer?

289 replies

Freshton · 16/05/2026 11:06

A relative is currently dying a slow and horrible death from terminal cancer. In palliative phase and last few days now as can't swallow or take any liquids.

It's truly opened my eyes. I had no idea how medieval things were still when it comes to death. I've been truly horrified at what people are expected to endure in their final weeks and what their relatives have to witness.

I can't understand why we put animals to sleep to spare them suffering but humans still have to deal with this slow and undignified end.

I've never been much in favour of assisted dying as not had to think about it but after seeing what I've seen, I really hope something can change. I'll be haunted for the rest of my life by what I've seen in last few weeks.

OP posts:
thefloorislavayes · 16/05/2026 11:41

I think anyone who has had to witness someone dying a slow and painful death agrees with you

Bumbers · 16/05/2026 11:41

I agree in the strongest possible way. We should have assisted dying - and not just for the terminally ill. It is barbaric.

Purplecatshopaholic · 16/05/2026 11:39

Hard agree. The dignity and care we afford our pets at the end is such a contrast to what we experience if it’s an elderly human relative. I feel very sad for my mum that I couldn’t grant her the dignified, pain-free, peaceful death I gave my dog.

rainbowunicorn22 · 16/05/2026 11:39

having witnessed my parents and fil suffering a horrific death, I have thought this for a long time. my dog became very ill and we ended his pain quickly and with sedation it was peaceful. it could be open for abuse but safeguards would have to be put in place such as Dr signature and pre signed wishes before people are ill

RaspberryFeet · 16/05/2026 11:39

I suppose it’s because it’s a slippery slope. How do you have the right to choose without it becoming like Canada?

Original poster
Freshton · 16/05/2026 11:37

I only agree with assisted dying in clear cut cases of terminal illness really when it's certain what's going to happen. In countries where it's already legal it seems to be used by a lot of people outside that category Ie with mental illness but who are physically health and also young. It's such a difficult topic

OP posts:
peppaispoop · 16/05/2026 11:37

Our government can’t be trusted not to fuck it up. Plus there’s likely to be a lot of people trying to abuse it and bully people into it to protect inheritance. You may think you’ll want to pull the plug when it’s time but it’s human instinct to want to keep going.

MrsShawnHatosy · 16/05/2026 11:32

It can only be the individual’s choice. We can’t decide on behalf of others that their life is not worth living.

Iheartmysmart · 16/05/2026 11:29

In a very short space of time, I lost my dad, my grandmother and my dog. The only one afforded a peaceful and dignified death was my dog. I’ve always been in favour of assisted dying and watching both people suffer such awful and traumatic deaths reinforced that decision.

InterestedDad37 · 16/05/2026 11:23

Totally agree. I've thought since way for many years, having witnessed the last few days for both my parents, back when I was in my 20s.

Tiddlysocks · 16/05/2026 11:23

Can you choose in Great Britain? Can you also choose to travel to countries where it is allowed?

Branleuse · 16/05/2026 11:20

I've worked in end of life care in the community and I strongly believe in the right to choose.
There can be such a difference in people's experiences at the end.

HauntingBillCrouse · 16/05/2026 11:17

I agree with you. I had to watch my mum die a slow and painful death, it was horrific. Compared to when my cat became ill and I held him as he purred away before peacefully dying. I'd much prefer to go the way my cat went if I were seriously ill.

dudsville · 16/05/2026 11:13

I remember coming across a group who beleived pet animals should be left to have a natural end of life. That was weird, and clearly not a majority view. Anyway, I agree with you OP. I hope the laws change by the time my time comes around. A member of our family is in a care home. She's angry and depressed and clueless, spends her days doing nothing of what she used to enjoy. She's fed, washed, dressed, etc., and spends her day in a chair in a loud and bright communal area. The facility staff are nice and we trust them, but this isn't living and she wouldn't have wished for this. We love her so much. I hope she doesn't realise what her life is like.