Simply allowing mercy killing of animals not allowed in Islam - Mufti

SHAH ALAM - In Islam, euthanising sick animals or 'mercy killing' is impermissible.

However, if there is no hope for the animal to lead a normal life due to its severe sickness, then the matter must be handed over to the experts to decide.

Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said according to the fatwa (formal rulings of Islamic law) issued by Darul Ifta’ al-Masriyyah (Egyptian Fatwa Council), it is not permissible under the syariah law to kill animals without valid reasons or strong justification determined by relevant authorities.

"However, what is known as 'compassionate killing' of animals suffering from a severe and incurable illness causing intense pain, with no hope of recovery, is allowed in Islam.

"The condition is that the killing should be carried out under the supervision of specific authorities (veterinarians) and in a manner that does not inflict unnecessary harm on the animal.

"This is based on a hadith of the Prophet SAW," he said.

Salim said the action was done to eliminate the continuous suffering of the animal due to the illness.

He quoted a hadith: "Verily, Allah SWT has enjoined goodness to everything; so when you kill, do it in a good way, and when you slaughter, do it in a good way. Let each one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal he slaughters."

"Killing an animal that is suffering and has no hope of recovery does not imply cruelty to the animal; on the contrary, true cruelty is allowing it to continue suffering from the illness.

"If the owner of the sick animal is no longer able to afford the cost of treatment and veterinary care, it is recommended that they surrender the animal to the veterinarian to take appropriate action according to their professional judgement," he added.

Meanwhile, according to the Mufti of the Federal Territory's Office website, under Irsyad Al-Fatwa Series 241, the ruling on euthanasia for dying or critically ill animals emphasised that as long as the animal can be adequately cared for and treated, it should be allowed to live.

"However, in certain situations, the principle of ‘choosing the lesser of two evils’ based on maslahah (benefit) and mafsadah (harm) needs to be considered.

"There are instances where letting a critically ill animal live may result in more suffering compared to euthanasia, especially when the cost of treatment is excessively high.

"In such cases, the opinion allowing euthanasia can be applied to prevent greater harm," the website explained.