Other options that could be considered include:

- • capture and transport of the injured wildlife to another location for euthanasia with a firearm,
- • contact Victoria Police for assistance,
- • contact a registered Veterinary Practitioner for assistance
- • contact Victoria Police or the road manager (the Shire or VicRoads) if it is a road hazard, or
- • euthanasia by blunt force trauma. This should be done away from the view of the public if possible. This must be done by a heavy blow to the base of the skull with sufficient force to destroy the brain. Please note that large kangaroos can be very difficult to euthanise using this technique.

Confirmation of euthanasia Examine all euthanised wildlife carefully to confirm that it has died before disposing of the carcass. To check that death has occurred, ensure you check all the following (in sequential order):

- • the heart has stopped beating - check for at least 20 seconds, don’t use your thumb as you may detect your own pulse. The best place to feel varies among species, seek veterinary advice if unsure,
- • that the wildlife is not breathing - check for a minimum of 20 seconds,
- • that the gum colour is grey/white - only applies to mammals,
- • the corneal reflex - no blink in response to lightly touching the cornea (the middle of the eye),
- • the pupil size - in dead animals both pupils are very large and unresponsive to light, and
- • pinch reflex - firmly pinch skin between toes or nostrils, there should be no response if animal is dead.

Employ a second euthanasia method if there is any doubt about confirmation of death. Reptiles, turtles, and amphibians are remarkably resilient and can remain inert for hours, especially when in distress. To ensure euthanasia, place the animal in a secure place after euthanasia and check for movement periodically over the course of 24 hours (if necessary draw a chalk outline around the body).

#### Disposal of carcasses

Condition 12 You must dispose of the carcasses of wildlife euthanised by barbiturates, bat carcasses and the carcasses of wildlife infected by mange by incineration or burial to a depth of 60cm to prevent scavenging by other animals. Carcasses must not be buried within 100 metres of a waterway to avoid contamination.

######## Objective

To prevent secondary poisoning and spread of disease to other animals and people.

######## How to comply

Carcasses of wildlife euthanised by barbiturates should be disposed of via burial or incineration to prevent secondary poisoning by scavengers (e.g. dogs, ravens, hawks). Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) may be present in bats. Euthanised bats (including any secretions and excretions) should be disposed of via incineration or, if this is not possible, by burial. Handle all animals with care and wear personal protective equipment to avoid potential ABLV exposure.

The carcasses of wildlife infected with sarcoptic mange (e.g. koalas or wombats) must be disposed of by burial or incineration to ensure other animals do not become infected by mange.

Please note that some wildlife shelters are authorised to variation of condition 12 in lieu of licensed arrangements for third party disposal.

#### Threatened species

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

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