Emma is a fine and healthy Shih Tzu mix that her owner has passed away soon, and now she must die as well because that’s what her owner’s will states!
The deceased woman left explicit instructions in her will for Emma to be euthanized and buried with her. The dog was first transferred to the animal shelter in Chesterfield County, Virginia, where she remained for two weeks before the executor of the woman’s estate arrived to euthanize the dog.
Shelter workers protested and asked for the dog to be handed over to the shelter instead;
We did suggest they could sign the dog over on numerous occasions, because it’s a dog we could easily find a home for and re-home. Ultimately, they came back in on March 22nd and redeemed the dog.
Carrie Jones, manager of Chesterfield Animal Service to NBC12
The executor refused and instead took the dog to a local vet that fulfilled the wishes of the dead owner.
They placed the dog’s ashes in an urn alongside the ashes of the owner. This is illegal in Virginia but it is allowed for privately-owned cemeteries.
Unfortunately, this incident is still completely legal. There is no law that prevents any vet from euthanizing a healthy pet, but many veterinarians refuse to do so anyway because of ethical reasons.
“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.
Also it’s something we take home too. It weighs on us as professionals.”
Dr. Kenny Lucas with the Shady Grove Animal Clinic told NBC12
The story has caused outrage online when it surfaced, with people calling the dead woman “selfish” and “cruel”. People also blame the vet who agreed to do it and agreed to kill a completely healthy pet.
An owner shouldn’t have the power to decide to end a pet’s life if the pet is living a healthy one, but that’s what we think, what about you? Does the woman have the right to even add such a request in her will?