Years ago, it was fairly common for people to euthanize their own pets, often with a rifle shot taken behind the shed or barn, but the laws and society's view about dogs and other pets have evolved. Michigan's law says a person has to have “just cause” to kill or intentionally injure an animal, but it doesn't define what is just cause.
Right - I see what you mean.
If we still had the unpleasant task of euthanizing our own pets when necessary, we would be more thoughtful and considerate of the consequences when making animal care/ownership decisions.
And you are right - the “out-of-sight-out-of-mind” mindset is a liberal device - just like calling an abortion a “health service”.