You must use a euthanasia method that results in immediate loss of consciousness followed by death. You must not use the following euthanasia methods: • Hypothermia (placing the animal in a freezer) - many animals are still able to feel pain when undergoing hypothermia, but are unable to respond to this pain (i.e. by moving away). Freezing results in ice crystals in tissues that cause extreme pain before the animal dies. • Air embolism (injection of air into the veins) - causes unacceptable pain. • Carbon dioxide (CO2) - causes extreme levels of fear, distress and discomfort for animals. • Carbon monoxide (CO) (e.g. car exhaust) - causes extreme levels of fear, distress and discomfort. • Chloroform - dangerous and toxic hepatotoxin (damages the liver). It is highly irritating to animals. • Ether - highly irritating to mucous membranes of animals. Its administration is highly distressing. • Chemicals (e.g. cyanide or strychnine) - extremely dangerous, slow acting, and causes violent convulsions, pain and distress. • Suffocation- causes extreme levels of fear, distress and discomfort for animals. • Drowning - slow acting and causes extreme levels of fear, distress and discomfort for animals. • Exsanguination (cutting the throat and bleeding out) - cannot be used as a sole method of euthanasia as it causes pain and fear in animals.

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To ensure that only appropriate methods of euthanasia are used to minimise pain, discomfort and distress.

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Euthanasia is a core role of wildlife shelters, and is an important tool in ensuring the welfare of wildlife. Ensure that you only use humane and safe methods when you are undertaking euthanasia of wildlife. Euthanasia should be carried out in accordance with relevant codes of practice (e.g. the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Non-commercial Purposes). The method of euthanasia must quickly render the animal unconscious, rapidly followed by death. The animal can be stunned and rendered unconscious by a hard, sharp blow to the skull. Stunning must be followed immediately by either blunt force trauma that destroys the brain, cervical dislocation, decapitation or exsanguination. The method used must be appropriate for the size and species of the animal. Ensure that you have received appropriate training in the method of euthanasia before attempting to euthanise an animal. Contact an experienced shelter for assistance if a veterinarian is not available and you are unsure of your ability to safely and humanely euthanise an animal.

Euthanasia via firearms Firearms are an acceptable method of euthanasia, but should only be used when safe to do so. Firearms must only be used by holders of an appropriate firearms licence, in accordance with the Firearms Act 1996. Depending on the location, a ‘Populous Place Permit’ from Victoria Police may be required. Wherever possible when using firearms for euthanasia, wildlife should be euthanised by a shot to the brain. Where a shot to the brain is impractical or unsafe, a shot to the heart/lung area is permissible. Injured wildlife may be euthanised safely via firearm by local police.

Roadside euthanasia of injured wildlife If injured wildlife are found on or near a road and require euthanasia then the method of euthanasia needs to be carefully considered. Under Section 130 of the Firearms Act 1996, it is an offence to carry or use a firearm on any thoroughfare or place open to or used by the public for passage with vehicles. You may choose to apply for a Populous Place Permit from the Victoria Police to allow the use of a firearm on or near a road by a person with a firearms licence. However, the decision of whether to grant a Populace Place Permit is up to the discretion of the Victoria Police. The application process is also unlikely to be completed in an appropriate timeframe for humane euthanasia of the injured wildlife using a firearm.

Wildlife Shelter and Foster Carer Authorisation Guide – V5.00 July 2019

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