Humane killing Flashcards
What are the (4) scenarios in which an animal should be killed?
At the end of a protocol
If the max. severity limit for the protocol is exceeded
If the humane endpoint has been reached
If there are unexpected adverse events that cause significant pain/suffering
Who may humanely kill an animal via a schedule 1 method?
A person who is competent in the procedures (do not need to be a PIL holder)
What are the methods of killing for adult animals (4)?
Overdose of anaesthetic - all animals
Exposure to CO2 gas in a rising concentration - birds and rodents up to 1.5kg
Dislocation of the neck - Rodents up to 500g, rabbits and birds up to 1kg (need sedative for rodents over 150g)
Concussion of the brain - rodents and rabbits up to 1kg, birds up to 250g, fishes, amphibians and reptiles
What are the methods of killing for foetal, larval and embryonic forms (4)?
Overdose of anaesthetic - all animals
Refrigeration, disruption of membranes, or CO2 exposure - birds and reptiles
Cooling of foetuses followed by immersion in cold tissue fixative
Decapitation - Mammals and birds up to 50g
What are the methods used to ensure completion of humane killing (6)?
Confirmation of permanent cessation of circulation (feeling for heartbeat)
Destruction of brain
Dislocation of neck
Exanguination (severing major blood vessels close to the head)
Confirming onset of rigor mortis
Destruction of the body in a macerator
How are pregnant animals humanely killed?
If the embryo is day 13 or earlier, the mother can be killed by schedule 1 method (no restrictions on killing embyro)
If the embryo is day 14 or later, the mother and embryo can be killed by different schedule 1 methods). Methods must be successive/simultaneous, and confirmation methods must be used on both mother and embryo
What are some ways of refining schedule 1 killing?
For whole cages of animals, it may be possible to leave them in their home cage and place in CO2 chamber.
Avoiding handling by using tunnels may reduce stress.
An overdose of sodium pentobarbital may have anaesthetic added to reduce irritation
What must happen if humane endpoints are exceeded?
Animals must be killed quickly and humanely, even if the study objectives have not been met. Or, they may be removed from the study and treated
What is the cumulative experience of an animal?
The sum of all the positive and negative impacts on health and welfare of an animal over its lifetime.
Positive - refinements to breeding, husbandry
Negative - impacts of experimental procedures
