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emailAppendix 3 - Humane Destruction Techniques
The method employed must:
- cause instant unconsciousness followed by rapid death without regaining consciousness;
- cause death without panic or distress;
- be reliable for both single animals or large numbers;
- have a minimal detrimental impact on operators and observers.
The skill of the operator is vital for the humane killing of animals.
Acceptable methods for sheep
Electric stunning, two seconds duration. Head-only-stunning is acceptable, followed by ex-sanguination.
Non-penetrating captive bolt (concussion stunner), followed by exsanguination. Non-penetrating or mushroom stunners deliver a bolt with a flattened circular head against the external surface of the animal's head over the brain. Immediate unconsciousness is produced by a combination of acceleration concussion and changes in intra cranial pressure. While it is not the preferred method for sheep, it leaves the brain tissue intact for sampling.
Use of a captive bolt or firearm (.22 calibre, long rifle, hollow nosed ammunition is recommended for sheep) is only possible if no brain tissue is required for sampling.
The position of choice is behind the poll, aiming for the muzzle (a); alternatively, use the position on top of the forehead and aim for the gullet (a). For horned sheep, it may be necessary to use the position just behind the poll, aiming for the muzzle (b).
If using a rifle, it is also possible to aim at the centre of the forehead, just above the eye level and shoot towards the spine (c).
| Method | Human Safety | Animal Welfare | Skill | Required Cost | Aesthetics | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunshot | Moderate; firearm laws apply | Good | Moderate; correct placement essential | Low; after initial purchase | Fair; some blood and body movement | Distance from animal can be maintained |
| Penetrating Captive Bolt Gun | Good | Good | Moderate; correct placement essential | Low; after initial purchase | Fair; some blood and body movement | Contact with animal required |
| Barbiturate Overdose | Good | Excellent | Moderate; intravenous injections required | High | Good | Drug only available to licensed veterinarian |
| Ex-sanguination | Fair | Good; animal must already be unconscious | Moderate | Low | Poor; very bloody | Not sole method of euthanasia |
| Electrocution | Moderate to poor | Good; only if specialized equipment is used | Moderate | Low; after initial purchase | Fair; some body movement | Electricity required |
All methods require proper operator training, appropriate equipment, and good restraint. When all these factors are maximized, the risk of injury to the operator is minimized.
(Adapted from: The Emergency Euthanasia of Sheep & Goats Consideration for Owners, Producers, Auction Market Operators, Livestock Transporters, and Law Enforcement Officers (UC Davis, November, 1999).
