I want YOUR opinions... An ethical question...

[xEchOx]

euthanizeing under the assumption it will endure more stress is definitely playing god. You don't know that it will end up worse off.

Very true. I don't know for sure that my fish will suffer needlessly until death. But just for fun, what would you say the odds are that a fish returned to Pet## is adopted by a caring dedicated cichlid lover with an adequate sized tank?

We at MFK definitely tend to do a better job of keeping fish and accommodating their needs but still we are dealing with animals that can't really be tamed/domesticated as much as conditioned.

Yes you, us, we here, at MFK. What about the rest of the world? I'd have no quarrels giving an oscar to an educated MFKer... but not Joe Schmoe who lives down the road who still has a gold fish bowl and a 'big' 20g high tank with a 11" pleco and some sword tails....

You argue that the fish has to suffer being rehoused, a little pain for allot of happiness is par for the course in this hobby. He'll be happier in the end alive than dead. They are animals after all and their #1 goal in existence is to survive, #2 is make babies. If the fish was dieing then you could make the argument for putting him down but this case it just seems like neglectful fish keeping.

A little pain? How can you quantify that? Do we know what it feels like to have ich? Do we know what living in Ammonia rich water feels like? - We know it can kill them and significantly shorten their lives...

He'll be happier in the end alive, if he's well taken care of which is a gamble.

 

[Carefree_Dude]

Good deals in absolutes. In an abstract way you are right accept that god can save and god can destroy. I can easily enough kill a fish but save it from disease... Thats another story. breaking up a fish fight is not the same exactly.

But, you must ask if god can truely save from disease just as easy as he can destroy. I mean, with all the horrible disease in the world, you'd think he either can't stop it as easily, or just enjoys suffering.

 

[ScatMan]

some (if not most) people will choose an existence of suffering rather than no existence at all, even if the suffering is all but guaranteed. this is likely because nature has selected life that has faith, life that "hangs on" for hope of a better existence (even in spite of terrible odds).

there is no right or wrong answer, it boils down to your threshold for suffering vs will to live. also, i have never seen an animal, other than humans, commit intentional suicide.

 

[xEchOx]

there is no right or wrong answer, it boils down to your threshold for suffering vs will to live. also, i have never seen an animal, other than humans, commit intentional suicide.

Perhaps you are correct... choosing to suffer for the opportunity to live.... Hmmmm. Thank you for your input.

 

[HyPHyISM42o]

I say take it to a decent pet store or find a MFK that will take it. putting down a pet because you cant take care of it is selfish in a sense. Like saying if i cant have you no one can. just my 2 dollars.....i dont give away pennies...nobody takes them....

 

[Eupterus]

I would not euthanize a fish unless it's a last resort. So I op for trying to find the other oscar a new home.

 

[cyberhog05]

Craigslist. Ask potential parent pertinent questions only a responsible aquarist would know. Problem solved. Or down load this handy craigslist app from the droid store, make a notification for fish tank etc and wait for a free tank to come up. This app gives you instant notification when your search criteria has a new post. Its the bees knees!!!Then give the fish away with a home to a fellow aquarist.

 

[Cloudk]

I say post it on MFK or search for a good fish store. Definatly not kill it. But i'm one of those crazies that names their fish, and falls in love with each one

 

[Jc1119]

Short term- divider
Long term- classified section of MFK or craigslist.

Personally, I only euthanize fish that are injured beyond repair or terminally ill. I couldn't kill a healthy fish. I would make sure I found it a good home.

 

[tyl089]

I would divide the fish tank in 1/2, and then see if I can reintroduce them.

Euthanize the fish would def. be last resort.