Humane Issues
The issue of humane death arises within two methods of wildlife control: killing and trapping. In both killing and kill traps , one must take utmost care that the death is as quick and humane as possible. If live trapping but not relocating, animals must be euthanized in a humane manner.
Humane manner is defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia as " [when the animal's life is taken] ...with the highest degree of respect, and with an emphasis on making the death as painless and distress free as possible. Euthanasia techniques should result in rapid loss of consciousness followed by cardiac or respiratory arrest and the ultimate loss of brain function." "... this technique should minimize distress and anxiety experienced by the animal prior to the loss of consciousness."
Some unacceptable forms of euthanasia:
- freezing
- drowning
- bodily injury/bludgeoning
Some acceptable forms of euthanasia:
- medical or laboratory grade CO2 chamber
- cervical dislocation
- veterinary approved euthanasia drugs