stunning, slaughter, and euthanasia

When does animal welfare end?

At the moment of death

What is the goal regarding killing animals?

Humane killing → maximizing welfare up to death

What is “humane” treatment?

Ensuring welfare is good to a high degree

What defines euthanasia?

Death to benefit the animal by ending or preventing suffering

What defines humane killing (non-euthanasia)?

Death to benefit people → food, materials, population control

What is a “good death”?

A death that minimizes pain, distress, and negative experiences

What are the two components of humane killing?

Stunning and slaughter

What is stunning?

Rendering the animal unconscious or insensible

What is the key requirement for stunning?

Must be quick and not painful

Why can’t injectable methods be used before slaughter?

Food safety concerns → drug residues

Which animals commonly use CO₂ inhalation?

Pigs, poultry, mice, and rats

How does CO₂ cause death?

By displacing oxygen → asphyxiation

What do low CO₂ levels cause?

Sedation

What must NOT be done with CO₂?

Placing animals directly in 100% CO₂ (causes severe distress)

Why does high CO₂ cause pain?

Forms carbonic acid on mucous membranes

Benefits of CO₂?

-sedation

-inexpensive

-easily stored

-no tissue toxicity

How do nitrogen and argon kill animals?

Displace oxygen

Do nitrogen & argon cause fewer aversive reactions compared to CO₂?

-Yes, in livestock and birds

-No, in rodents

Why are nitrogen & argon not ideal?

-very slow

-unreliable stunning

-require 10+ minutes

-expensive

What is a penetrating captive bolt (PCB)?

-rod enters the skull and penetrates the brain

-often causes death

What is a non-penetrating captive bolt (NPCB)?

-causes concussion without entering the skull

-usually stunning only

What is the purpose of both types?

Rapid brain/brainstem damage to induce unconsciousness

What is essential when using a captive bolt?

Proper training and restraint for accuracy

How is gunshot different from captive bolt?

Uses a loose projectile (bullet)

Why can gunshot not be used indoors?

High risk to bystanders

Where is gunshot commonly used?

On-farm or at-home slaughter/euthanasia

Why do some prefer gunshot over injections?

Better for carcass disposal and cheaper

What does electrocution require for humane killing?

Current through the brain (stunning) + current through the heart (death)

What happens if current ONLY goes through the heart?

Painful experience → animal remains conscious

What happens if current ONLY goes through the brain?

Animal may recover

What animals is cervical dislocation used for?

Poultry, mice, small rats

What is essential for humane use?

Proper technique causing rapid separation of skull and vertebrae

What makes cervical dislocation inappropriate for slaughterhouses?

Cannot be done on large numbers

What is maceration?

Rapid mechanical destruction causing instant death in poultry ≤72 hours old

Advantages of maceration?

Instantaneous death, safe for workers, appropriate for large numbers

Welfare requirement before maceration?

Chicks must be handled gently to avoid pre-maceration stress

Are stunning methods allowed in kosher/halal slaughter?

No, animals must be conscious

How must the animal be killed in kosher/halal?

With a sharp knife by a skilled person

Why historically was this method (sharp knife) considered humane?

Prevented “roadkill” consumption and ensured rapid blood loss

What is the intent of euthanasia?

To reduce suffering

What conditions commonly justify euthanasia?

-unmanageable pain

-immobility

-progressive disease

-irreversible internal damage

-organ failure

Preferred euthanasia method in veterinary medicine?

Barbiturate overdose

What other methods may be used with sedation?

Pentobarbital, potassium chloride, lidocaine

Who decides when euthanasia is appropriate?

The owner, supported with full information

What is “the right time”?

A spectrum → varies by animal and situation

Why is euthanasia considered a skill?

It’s often the final treatment a veterinarian provides