Is it permissible to kill the dog?

Published as Killing an ill dog so that it may attain relieve

· 29 Rabiʻ II 1443 AH1 min readEnglish

Question

We have a dog that is ill for some time now and suffering. Is it permissible to kill the dog?

If I am driving and a dog comes in the way, what am I supposed to do? If I try protecting the dog’s life, we could risk our lives. Please advise!

Answer

In the enquired case, it will be permissible to kill the dog but the most suitable method of killing the dog should be implemented which is having the dog slaughtered. If slaughtering the dog is not an option, then such a method should be used whereby the dog experiences the least amount of difficulty. Therefore, the dog should either be shot in such a place whereby the soul departs immediately, or such strong poison should be given to the dog that results in the dog dying immediately. It seems that there is concession for this as well. [Re:- Fataawa Ibaadur Rahmaan Pg.334 Vol.7]

Putting your life into jeopardy in order to protect the life of a dog is not intelligence. If the dog passes away due to being knocked then this was destined. [Re:- Fataawa Ibaadur Rahmaan Pg.269 Vol.7]

Answered by
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Questions about this ruling, answered only from the archive with sources.

Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.

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