Dog gone: healthy pet put down in Virginia so it can be buried with owner

Debate rages after dog was euthanised according to owner's dying wish

The unusual death of a woman's dog in Virginia has sparked outcry and a debate over whether it is ok to kill a healthy pet and bury it with its owner according to their dying wish.

Emma, a shih tzu mix, was euthanised and cremated in March as per its owner's will. The dog was put down despite the efforts of animal shelter workers who spent two weeks trying to talk the executor of the woman's estate out of the plan.