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Injection means no blood, no BOOM. Much more peaceful..for the witnesses. Dead is dead.
It's sad no matter how you look at it.
It's true, euthanasia is more peaceful primarily for the observer, and there is nothing wrong with that. Some people cannot stomach death, and euthanasia caters to these people. However, it does not mean one is more humane than the other. this is a phrase that has been capitalized on by drug companies, and people of a "weaker stomach" for a long time. The reality of it is, killing is killing.
A lethal injection is usually a dose of pentobarbital or sodium thiopental fallowing an initial injection that usually renders the pet unconscious or numb. It is simply a means of allowing the owner the chance to say goodbye to a live pet without their emotions stressing the pet. The injection causes quick respiratory then cardiac arrest. The origin of the terms peaceful, gentle, and merciful when related to euthanasia are traced back to the companies who produce and of course SELL the drug.
On the flip side of it, when talking the use of a firearm (which has also been exploited as a "BAD" thing in media) it has the same end result to the animal. When done properly, with the bullet directed down the spine through the medulla oblongata the death is instant. Meaning, the central nervous system is shut down before the pain receptors can ever get a signal initiating a pain response. In other words, it happens so fast the animal is dead before it even has a chance to feel pain or know it is dying.