PIL A- Species Specific Module- Humane Methods of Killing

Question 1

Legislation

Answer 1

‘Killing a protected animal for a scientific purpose at a designated establishment does not require a licence if a method listed in Schedule 1, appropriate to the animal, is used.’

Question 2

Killing a protected animal

Answer 2

Chosen method must bring about death in a rapid & painless manner.
Method will be influenced by species, size, age, temperament of animal & purpose of tissues which are required.

Question 3

Why kill a lab animal?

Answer 3

It has come to the end of its economic breeding life.
It is surplus to requirement, e.g. too old or too large.
It has severe injury / pain that cannot be alleviated.
It or the colony it is in is affected by disease.
Its death is a requirement of a scientific project.

Question 4

Factors to consider when killing a lab animal

Answer 4

Number of individuals to be killed.
Availability of materials and apparatus.
Reason for killing.
Destiny of carcass. 
Necessary urgency.
Personal preferences, skills and strength of the operator.

Question 5

Schedule 1

Answer 5

There are appropriate methods of humane killing for…

(1) Animals other than foetal, larval & embryonic forms
(2) Foetal, larval & embryonic forms

Question 6

Death by either physical or chemical means

Answer 6

Physical: decapitation, cervical dislocation, pistols (if larger),
Chemical: general anaesthetic – IV/IP pentobarbitone, inhalation anaesthetics – rising CO2.

Question 7

Overdose of an anaesthetic using a route and an anaesthetic agent appropriate for the size and species of animal.
(methods for animals other than foetal, larval and embryonic forms)

Answer 7

All animals.

Question 8

Exposure to carbon dioxide gas in a rising concentration

methods for animals other than foetal, larval and embryonic forms

Answer 8

Rodents, rabbits, birds up to 1.5kg (but not neonatal rodents).

Question 9

Dislocation of the neck (with the prior use of a sedative or anaesthetic in the case of rodents and rabbits over 150g and birds over 250g)
(methods for animals other than foetal, larval and embryonic forms)

Answer 9

Rodents up to 500g, rabbits up to 1kg and birds up to 1kg.

Question 10

Concussion of the brain by striking the cerebellum

methods for animals other than foetal, larval and embryonic forms

Answer 10

Rodents and Rabbits up to 1kg Birds up to 250g Amphibians and reptiles (with destruction of the brain before the return of consciousness) up to 1kg Fishes (with destruction of the brain before the return of consciousness).

Question 11

One of the recognised methods of slaughter set out below which is appropriate to the animal and is performed by a registered veterinary surgeon, or, in the case of the methods described in paragraph (ii) below, performed by the holder of a current licence granted under the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995
(a) i) Destruction of the brain by free bullet, or ii) captive bolt or electrical stunning followed by destruction of the brain or exsanguination before return of consciousness.
(methods for animals other than foetal, larval and embryonic forms)

Answer 11

Ungulates

Question 12

Overdose of an anaesthetic using a route and anaesthetic agent appropriate for the size, stage of development and species of animal.
(methods for foetal, larval and embryonic forms)

Answer 12

All animals

Question 13

Refrigeration, or disruption of membranes, or maceration in apparatus approved under appropriate slaughter legislation, or exposure to carbon dioxide in near 100% concentration until they are dead.
(methods for foetal, larval and embryonic forms)

Answer 13

Birds and reptiles

Question 14

Cooling of foetuses followed by immersion in cold tissue fixative.
(methods for foetal, larval and embryonic forms)

Answer 14

Mice, rats and rabbits

Question 15

Decapitation

methods for foetal, larval and embryonic forms

Answer 15

Mammals and birds up to 50g

Question 16

Anaesthetic overdose

Answer 16

All animals may be overdosed by a route and anaesthetic agent appropriate for the size & species.
Can be by injection – sodium pentobarbitone (IV/IP) or inhalation .

Question 17

Exposure to carbon dioxide

Answer 17

Has to be of a rising concentration.
Rodents & rabbits up to 1.5kg in bodyweight.
Not suitable for neonates (higher tolerance).
Key points: provide absorbent paper, do not overcrowd, regulate gas flow to chamber, check carefully for signs of death, empty out residual carbon dioxide.

Question 18

Physical methods

Answer 18

• Dislocation of Neck: Rodents up to 500g & rabbits up to 1kg.
  Concussion of the brain: Rodents and rabbits up to 1kg.
  When performed properly, to appropriate animals, these methods are humane.
  DO NOT
  Attempt these methods unless competent & fully comfortable with them.
  Use in the presence of other animals unless absolutely necessary.

Question 19

Other methods of euthanasia

Answer 19

Other methods of euthanasia may be carried out at licensed establishments providing there is authority on project/personal licence.
An additional condition on the Establishment Licence can be requested for the killing of surplus stock by a non-Schedule 1 method

Question 20

Confirmation of death

Answer 20

Whatever method of humane killing is used; death must be confirmed before animals are disposed of or left unattended.
Confirmation of permanent cessation of circulation (by sectioning of the heart or vessels prior to carcase disposal).
Destruction of the brain – (brain has to be no longer functioning rather than physical destruction, all signs of reflex activity will have ceased).
Dislocation of the neck (most common in mice).
Exsanguination (severing major blood vessels to the heart & abolish all blood supply to brain).
Confirming the onset of rigor mortis.
Mechanical disruption (ensure animal is insensitive & doesn’t respond to painful stimulus)