SPCA agrees that euthanasia is acceptable and necessary when an animal is suffering due to an incurable illness or injury or psychological distress, or when an animal presents a significant risk to human health and safety or the health and safety of other animals. The risk posed may be from disease or aggressive behaviour which cannot be prevented or managed in other ways.

SPCA is opposed to the euthanasia of healthy and behaviourally sound companion animals in New Zealand.

SPCA acknowledges that in certain circumstances, if there are no other viable options after health and temperament assessments, it may be necessary to euthanase an animal who cannot be rehomed.

SPCA advocates that when an animal is euthanased this must be carried out by a competent and trained operator. The process must be carried out in accordance with legislative requirements.