From Compassion To Constitution: An Interspecies Framework For Humane Euthanasia

Soumya Sylka Sahoo

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.58505

From Compassion To Constitution: An Interspecies Framework For Humane Euthanasia

Author(s)	Ms. Soumya Sylka Sahoo
Country	India
Abstract	The way a society treats its most defenseless members (animals), reflects its real level of development. Traditionally, humans have claimed dominance as the only developed species. This sense moral responsibility requires us to grant dignity to all beings, not just humans. The Supreme Court's decision in the Jallikattu case (2011) marked a significant milestone by acknowledging that animals are encompassed by Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, thereby affirming their right to live with dignity. This recognition sparks a significant ethical and legal debate: if animals are entitled to live with dignity, then likewise should they be entitled to die with dignity? Active euthanasia continues to be legally prohibited, highlighting persistent conflicts among personal autonomy, the sanctity of life, and the obligations of healthcare providers. Cultural and religious beliefs that view life and death as sacred and immutable heighten the complexities of these debates. Conversely, the animal euthanasia is governed by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 but it lacks procedural clarity, ethical consideration, and enforceable guidelines. Existing methods reflect human-centered values that prioritize convenience and economic gain at the cost of animal welfare. Animals are frequently subjected to euthanasia with minimal ethical evaluation and insufficient legal regulation. This study engages with constitutional jurisprudence, animal ethics, and relational philosophy to integrate the strict separation between human and non-human existence. It proposes the development of an interspecies ethical model rooted in principles of justice and morality by promoting euthanasia guidelines that align with constitutional protections, veterinary ethics, and evolving societal values, calling for a more humane and legally sound approach. Such a reimagining not only strengthens the ethical foundations of animal welfare but also broadens their rights and dignity in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
Keywords	Animal euthanasia, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, Animal welfare, Constitutional jurisprudence, Animal ethics, Relational philosophy
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 5, September-October 2025
Published On	2025-10-27
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.58505

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From Compassion To Constitution: An Interspecies Framework For Humane Euthanasia

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