Preferred methods of euthanasia
The preferred methods of euthanasia are outlined in these publications.
Despite animals receiving the best of care during research activities, it is sometimes necessary to euthanase them for a variety of reasons.
1. Statutory requirements
- The Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA)
- Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, 8th edition 2013 (The Code): Sections: 1.13, and 3.3.17-24.
2. UWA - Animal Ethics Committee
The Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) recommends you consult the Recommendations for Euthanasia of Experimental Animals. The AEC also has specific requirements relating to the use of some of the recommended techniques and these are detailed under Animal Care Services Standard Operating Procedures.
3. Principles of euthanasia
Euthanasia is defined as a gentle death and should be considered as an act of humane killing with a minimum of pain, fear and distress.
4. Reasons for euthanasia
Animals are euthanased for the following reasons:
- at the end of an experiment
- to harvest tissues required for research or teaching
- where the health status of the animals deteriorates and welfare may be compromised
- when animals are excess to requirements
- to alleviate unexpected pain, distress and suffering.
With respect to unexpected pain, distress and suffering, the Code provides:
1.20: Pain and distress cannot be evaluated easily in animals, and therefore investigators and teachers must assume that animals experience these in a manner similar to humans unless there is evidence to the contrary. Decisions regarding the animals' welfare must be based on this assumption.
1.21: An animal with signs of pain or distress not predicted in the proposal must have the pain or distress alleviated promptly. Alleviation of such pain or distress must take precedence over completing a project. If this is not possible the animal must be euthanased without delay.
1.22: Scientific and teaching activities that may cause pain or distress of a kind or degree for which anaesthesia would normally be used in medical or veterinary practice, must be carried out using anaesthesia appropriate to the species and the procedure.
1.23: Pain management appropriate to the species, the procedure and the circumstances must be provided.
1.24: The use of local or general anaesthetic, analgesic or tranquillising agents must be appropriate to the species, and should at least parallel their use in current medical or veterinary practice.
5. Pre-euthanasia considerations
It is important to consider the use of sedatives for the animals prior to euthanasia. This helps reduce anxiety and distress to both the animal and operator.
Animals must be killed in a quiet area, away from other animals. Distress vocalisations (some outside of our hearing range), fearful behaviour and release of pheromones can result in fear and distress to other animals in close vicinity.
6. Preferred methods
Though the most humane method may not be the most aesthetically acceptable, the method employed must take into account the following criteria, that is, the method should be
- painless
- rapid
- require minimal restraint
- calm
- appropriate for the age, species and health of the animal
- designed to minimise fear and psychological distress
- reliable
- reproducible
- irreversible
- simple
- safe
- compatible with the purpose
- performed by trained personnel.
Recommended methods can be divided into
- drug or chemical-induced
- physically induced.
The preferred method will depend on the:
- reasons for euthanasia
- species, size and number of animals
- availability of drugs/equipment
- training and willingness of staff.
Specific UWA requirements
The following are specific requirements of the UWA Animal Ethics Committee:
- Animals being killed by cervical dislocation must first be anaesthetised unless there is a valid reason not to. Specific approval for cervical dislocation is required by the AEC, and when proposed as the method of euthanasia in a proposal, should be fully justified.
- Under most circumstances, carbon dioxide gas is no longer considered a suitable agent for euthanasia and is not recommended by the AEC. Specific AEC approval must be obtained and application for use must include a full justification.
- Foetal and neonatal animals are resistant to hypoxia and metabolise drugs more slowly. For these reasons special care must be taken to ensure death has occurred.
- Double pithing (causing destruction of both the brain and spinal column) is acceptable only if specifically approved by the AEC.
- Freezing is an inappropriate method of euthanasia unless specifically approved by the AEC.
7. Disposal
Death must be confirmed before carcass disposal occurs. It is essential that personnel are adequately trained to recognise and confirm that death has occurred.
All carcasses must be double-wrapped and frozen until disposal by standard university practices. Radioactive carcasses should be stored and disposed of in accordance with Radiation Protection Office Guidelines.
Animal Care and Veterinary Services usually co-ordinates the disposal process.
8. Special considerations
Euthanasia can be an unpleasant topic and can cause distress to personnel. All staff must be fully briefed and trained on all aspects of the procedures.
No staff member should ever be coerced to perform euthanasia.
Training advice can be obtained from the Research Integrity Office.
Preferred Methods of Euthanasia for Commonly Used Species at UWA/SCGH
| Species | Anaesthetic Overdose | Cervical Dislocation | Double Pithing | Freezing | Decapitation | Captive Bolt and Exsanguination |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mice | recommended | a * see guidelines in text | prohibited | prohibited | Foetuses & Neonates only | prohibited |
| Rats | recommended | a * see guidelines in text | prohibited | prohibited | Foetuses & Neonates only | prohibited |
| Guinea Pigs | recommended | not recommended | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited |
| Rabbits | recommended | not recommended | prohibited | prohibited | not recommended | prohibited |
| Cats | recommended | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited |
| Dogs | recommended | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited |
| Amphibia | recommended | prohibited | recommended | not recommended *see guidelines in text | In Unconscious Animals only | prohibited |
| Fish | recommended | prohibited | prohibited | not recommended *see guidelines in text | prohibited | prohibited |
| Reptiles | recommended | prohibited | prohibited | not recommended *see guidelines in text | prohibited | prohibited |
| Birds | recommended | not recommended | prohibited | prohibited | Foetuses & Neonates only | prohibited |
| Marsupials | recommended | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited |
| Sheep | recommended | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited | recommended |
| Pigs | recommended | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited | prohibited | recommended |
University information
CRICOS Code: 00126G
