Euthanasia

Define Euthanasia

Act of inducing a humane death in an animal, minimizing pain and distress. It encompasses both the compassionate reason for ending a life and the technique used to do it.

Define Humane Disposition

When death is a welcome event for an animal suffering from an incurable disease or insurmountable suffering, where continued existence is no longer a positive option (the “why”)

Define Humane Technique

Should result in rapid loss of consciousness, followed by cardiac or respiratory arrest and ultimate loss of brain function, all while minimizing distress prior to unconsciousness.

Define Humane Slaughter

Processes and methods employed to intentionally kill animals raised for food, fur, or fiber production that minimize pain, suffering or anxiety associated.

Define Depopulation

Rapid destruction of large numbers of animals in response to emergencies.

Acceptable Method for Companion Animals

IV barbiturate

Acceptable with Conditions Methods for Companion Animals

• IP barbiturate if IV cannot be done

• Inhaled anesthetic overdose if <7kg

• Intra-organ barbiturate if unconscious or anesthetized

• Gunshot/PCB if remote and an emergency

Acceptable Method for Large Animals

IV barbiturate (but cannot enter food chain)

Acceptable with Conditions Methods for Large Animals

• Gunshot if on-farm

• PCB usually alongside exsanguination or pithing

Acceptable Methods for Fish

Immersion anesthetics (MS 222 or benzocaine)

Acceptable with Conditions Methods for Fish

Rapid chilling if it is small bodied and tropical (ie. zebrafish)

3 Basic Mechanisms of Euthanasia

1. Direct depression of vital neurons

2. Hypoxia

3. Physical disruption of brain activity

Classifications of Euthanasia Methods

• Acceptable

• Acceptable with conditions

• Adjunctive

• Unacceptable

Define Acceptable Methods

Consistently produce a humane death when used as the sole means of euthanasia

Define Acceptable with Conditions Methods

Require certain conditions to be met to consistently produce a humane death

Define Unacceptable Methods

Inhumane under any conditions or pose a substantial risk to the human operator

Define Adjunctive Methods

Should not be used as a sole method but can be used in conjunction with others to bring about euthanasia

Define Unconsciousness

Loss of individual awareness, when the brain’s ability to integrate information is blocked or disrupted

In what animals are inhalant anesthetics unsuitable for euthanasia?

• Food producing animals

• Reptiles, amphibians and diving mammals/birds

• Neonates

How is Carbon Monoxide Classified?

Acceptable with conditions

How is Potassium Chloride Classified?

Adjunctive

Define Pithing

A rod is inserted through the skull hole, destroying brain tissue and spinal cord to prevent revival

Physical methods are acceptable with conditions in what animals?

• Horses

• Ruminants

• Swine

• Rabbits

• Poultry

What are unacceptable methods in a shelter setting?

• Gunshot

• Carbon monoxide inhalation

• Intra-organ injections (unless unconscious)