Acceptable Methods Of Euthanasia

CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE METHODS OF EUTHANASIA *

The following methods of euthanasia are categorized as “conditionally acceptable”.

Conditionally acceptable methods require written scientific justification and IACUC approval (protocol approval) prior to use.

Please note that these methods are conditionally acceptable in only some species, and are unacceptable in other species.

  • Cervical dislocation
  • Decapitation
  • Thoracic compression
  • Electrocution
  • Chloral Hydrate

ACCEPTABLE METHODS OF EUTHANASIA *

The following methods of euthanasia are categorized as “acceptable”.

Acceptable methods do not require written scientific justification, but do require IACUC approval (protocol approval) prior to use.

Please note that the acceptability of a method applies only to the species for which it is listed.

* According to the 2000 American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia

Abbreviations:
  • IV=intravenous
  • IP=intraperitoneal (or into body cavity for species with no true anatomic abdominal cavity)
  • IC=intracardiac

SPECIES

ACCEPTABLE METHODS

COMMENTS

MOUSE

RAT

HAMSTER

GERBIL

GUINEA PIG

OTHER SMALL MAMMALS

 

 

 

 

Barbiturate overdose

ONLY IV or IP in awake

IC in anesthetized

CO2

ONLY compressed CO2 gas in cylinders, followed by a physical method to ensure death

Halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, methoxyflurane, desflurane

Listed in order of preference

Potassium chloride

ONLY IV, IC

ONLY under surgical anesthesia

CO

Restrictions apply; contact DAR

Microwave irradiation

ONLY small rodents

ONLY microwave designed specifically for this use (NOT kitchen type)

RABBIT

CAT

DOG

Barbiturate overdose

ONLY IV or IP in awake

IC in anesthetized

CO2

ONLY compressed CO2 gas in cylinders, followed by a physical method to ensure death

Halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, methoxyflurane, desflurane

Listed in order of preference

Potassium chloride

ONLY IV, IC

ONLY under anesthesia

CO

Restrictions apply; contact DAR

BIRD

Barbiturate overdose

ONLY IV, IP in awake

IC in anesthetized

CO2

ONLY compressed CO2 gas in cylinders, followed by a physical method to ensure death

Halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, methoxyflurane, desflurane

Listed in order of preference

CO

Restrictions apply; contact DAR

AMPHIBIAN

Barbiturate overdose

ONLY IV, IP, dorsal lymph sacs in awake

IC in anesthetized

CO2

ONLY compressed CO2 gas in cylinders, followed by a physical method to ensure death

Halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, methoxyflurane, desflurane

Listed in order of preference

Tricaine methane sulfonate (MS222)

Dose: 250mg/L

Buffered to pH 7-7.5

Benzocaine hydrochloride

Dose: 250mg/L

NOT benzocaine in alcohol

Double pithing

Brain, then spinal cord

CO

Restrictions apply; contact DAR

REPTILE

Barbiturate overdose

ONLY IV or IP in awake

IC in anesthetized

CO2

ONLY compressed CO2 gas in cylinders, followed by a physical method to ensure death

NOT for turtles

Halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, methoxyflurane, desflurane

Listed in order of preference; NOT for turtles

FISH

Barbiturate overdose

ONLY IV or IP in awake

IC in anesthetized

CO2

ONLY compressed CO2 gas in cylinders, followed by a physical method to ensure death

Halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, methoxyflurane, desflurane

Listed in order of preference

Tricaine methane sulfonate (MS222)

Dose: 250mg/L

Buffered to 7-7.5 pH

Benzocaine hydrochloride

Dose: 250mg/L

NOT benzocaine in alcohol

2-phenoxyethanol

Dose: 0.3-0.4 mg/L

SWINE

Barbiturates

ONLY IV or IP in awake

IC in anesthetized

CO2

ONLY compressed CO2 gas in cylinders, followed by a physical method to ensure death

Potassium chloride

ONLY IV, IC

ONLY under anesthesia

Penetrating captive bolt

With appropriate restraint

RUMINANTS

Cattle

Goats

Sheep

 

Barbiturate overdose

ONLY IV or IP in awake

IC in anesthetized

Potassium chloride

ONLY IV, IC

ONLY under anesthesia

Penetrating captive bolt

With appropriate restraint

HORSES

Barbiturate overdose

ONLY IV or IP in awake

IC in anesthetized

Potassium chloride

ONLY IV, IC

ONLY under anesthesia

Penetrating captive bolt

With appropriate restraint

FREE RANGING WILDLIFE

Barbiturate overdose

ONLY IV or IP in awake

IC in anesthetized

Halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, methoxyflurane, desflurane

Listed in order of preference

Potassium chloride

ONLY IV, IC

 ONLY under anesthesia