What can RSPCA officers use to euthanise wild animals?
Pentobarbitone
Discuss getting consent for euthanasia
- Owner must be at least 16 to give consent
- In being given by telephone, should use a witness and have them countersign form
Explain the relevancy of the animal welfare act on consent for euthanasia
- Vets are authorised to destroy in distress animals without owner consent.
- Vet surgeon may be asked for an opinion but has no authority
- Can act without owner’s consent if suffering but comprehensive notes must be kept
Discuss euthanasia in equine sports
- If owner isn’t available then trainer should be sought
- Record all circumstances supporting your decision
- Get confirmation from another vet
- Ensure you have adequate sporting vet insurance cover
Discuss destruction of dangerous dogs
- Should request destruction order from court unless there is a genuine threat to human safety.
- Legislation involved
What impact does the wildlife and countryside act 1981 have on wildlife casualties and the law?
-Suffering wild animals can be taken for treatment, if an animal is injured/ diseased beyond hope then it may be killed
(not suffering of wild animals also covered in animal welfare act)
Describe different hypoxia slaughter methods
1) inhalation (CO, CO2, N)
2) render unconscious (electrical stunning, non pen captive bolt, CO2)
3) Rapid killing: exsanguination, electrocution, potassium chloride injection
- Kosher/ halal
When using inhalent gases what should you consider?
- Rapid gas can be noisy/ scary
- Alveolar concentrations rise slowly with decreased ventilation
- Neonates resistant to hypoxia
- Reptiles/ amphibians/ diving birds/ mammals= very resistant to hypoxia
