In amphibians and reptiles, decapitation should be followed by pithing. However, if animals are first anesthetized or rendered unconscious by other means, this method may be used. May be used as sole method of euthanasia in species, such as frogs, with anatomic features that facilitate easy access to the central nervous system. In all other species of amphibians and reptiles, pithing should be followed by decapitation. Sedate animal first and then give chloral hydrate intravenously.
Chloroform is unacceptable for euthanasia.
It is a known hepatotoxin and suspected carcinogen and is considered hazardous to humans.