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Methods of Euthanasia [1]


Methods of Euthanasia
Species Acceptable [2] Conditionally Acceptable [3]
Amphibians Barbiturates, inhalant anesthetics (in appropriate species), CO24, CO, tricaine methane sulfonate (TMS, MS 222), benzocaine hydrochloride, double pithing Penetrating captive bolt, stunning and decapitation, decapitation and pithing
Birds Barbiturates, inhalant anesthetics, CO2, CO N2, Ar, cervical dislocation, decapitation, thoracic compression (small, free ranging only), maceration (chicks, poults, and pipped eggs only)
Cats Barbiturates, inhalant anesthetics, CO2, CO, potassium chloride in conjunction with general anesthesia N2, Ar
Dogs Barbiturates, inhalant anesthetics, CO2, CO, potassium chloride in conjunction with general anesthesia N2, Ar, penetrating captive bolt
Fish Barbiturates, inhalant anesthetics, CO26, tricaine methane sulfonate (TMS, MS 222), benzocaine hydrochloride, 2-phenoxyethanol Decapitation and pithing, stunning and decapitation/pithing
Horses Barbiturates, potassium chloride in conjunction with general anesthesia, penetrating captive bolt Chloral hydrate (IV, after sedation)
Rabbits Barbiturates, inhalant anesthetics, CO2, CO, potassium chloride in conjunction with general anesthesia N2, Ar, cervical dislocation (< 1 kg), decapitation, penetrating captive bolt
Reptiles Barbiturates, inhalant anesthetics (in appropriate species), CO2, (in appropriate species) Penetrating captive bolt, decapitation and pithing, stunning and decapitation
Rodents and other small mammals Barbiturates, inhalant anesthetics, CO2, CO, potassium chloride in conjunction with general anesthesia Methoxyflurane, ether, N2, Ar, cervical dislocation (rats < 200 g), decapitation
Ruminants Barbiturates, potassium chloride in conjunction with general anesthesia, penetrating captive bolt Chloral hydrate (IV, after sedation)
Swine Barbiturates, CO2, potassium chloride in conjunction with general anesthesia, penetrating captive bolt Inhalant anesthetics, CO, chloral hydrate (IV, after sedation), blow to the head (< 3 weeks of age)
Free-ranging wildlife Barbiturates IV or IP, inhalant anesthetics, potassium chloride in conjunction with general anesthesia CO2, CO, N2, Ar, penetrating captive bolt, kill traps (scientifically tested)


[1] Modified from the 2007 AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia.
[2] Consistently produce humane death when used as sole means of euthanasia
[3] Requires scientific justification and IACUC approval
[4] From compressed gas cylinders only
[5] Maintain equipment to ensure safety and effectiveness
[6] From compressed gas cylinders only

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Last updated July 7th, 2009