On "Me and My Guide Dog" there was a blind man who had had his dog for a number of years, it developed cancer. They decided to have him put to sleep as he was at the end. It showed the vet injecting the dog, and the owner and his partner were both in floods of tears as the dog died. It was so upsetting, I had a really good cry too.
But I felt it was an invasion of their personal life. I think it went too far.
I would also add that this was, in the circumstances, the most humane thing to do for the animal, who was suffering. As Chrissa points out, wildlife programmes depicting animals being hunted, killed and eaten by predators, doesn't seem to offend as much - its just nature?
Ah, I had to walk out when they went to the vet. I kept looking at my hugglebuggle knowing that I'd be them in the next couple of years. The Kleenex got used last night, that's for sure.
Permission may have indeed been given, but I personally would never give permission for my beloved dog to be pts in front of millions of viewers. Far too private.
"I have never been present when one of my pets has been put down."
I have only Not been present when one of my pets has been put down and I've regretted it for years. My poor old Lab, Ben had to die with virtual strangers because I thought I was too upset to stay with him.
I vowed I would never do that again and, I haven't.
There is something very upsetting about putting down animals. Was with my daughter when one of her cats had to be put down. I was in tears and I didn't even like that cat.