Humane destruction of livestock
Ross Newman, Biosecurity
DPI&F
Queensland
Often primary producers are faced with having to destroy livestock which are so severely injured that veterinary treatment is either impractical or uneconomical.
Examples are livestock hit by vehicles or, on a larger scale, numbers of stock seriously burnt in bushfires.
Whatever the circumstances, producers should know how to safely and painlessly euthanase livestock under their control.
The most efficient and common way to humanely destroy livestock is by a close range gunshot to the brain. But using a firearm can be dangerous, so the following points must be considered:-
- only properly trained and licensed people should use firearms.
- there may be legal restrictions on discharging a firearm in certain areas.
Police permission may be necessary.
- a small calibre firearm is most suitable, to reduce the risk of
projectiles exiting the head. A .22 or .22 magnum calibre rifle is adequate
for most animals if the shot is correctly positioned. The range should
be as short as possible, but the barrel should never be touching the animal's
head.
- everyone should be well clear of the area or behind the marksman.
- the animal must be still and properly restrained. Shooting at a moving animal is extremely hazardous to the animal and to bystanders. Never fire while the animal is moving its head.
The gunshot position for humane destruction varies greatly between species, and it is essential to follow the directions below carefully to ensure painless, efficient euthanasia.
Horses
Frontal method: the firearm should be directed at the point of intersection of diagonal lines taken from the base of each ear to the opposite eye. The bullet should be directed horizontally to ensure the brain is damaged ( position b in Figure 1).
Temporal method: the horse is shot from the side so that the bullet enters the skull midway between the eye and the base of the ear on the same side of the head. The bullet should be directed horizontally (position a in Figure 1).
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Figure 1. Humane destruction of horses 'a' indicates recommended position for temporal
method |
Cattle
Frontal method: firearm should be directed at the point of intersection of lines taken from the base of each ear to the opposite eye ( position b in Figure 2).
Temporal method: the animal is shot from the side so that the bullet enters the skull midway between the eye and the base of the ear on the same side of the head. The bullet should be directed horizontally ( position a in Figure 2 ).
Figure 2. Humane destruction of cattle
'a' indicates recommended position for temporal method
'b' indicates
recommended position for frontal method
Sheep
Hornless sheep and rams:
The firearm should be placed
just behind the poll and aimed in the direction of the animal's muzzle (position
a in Figure 3); or
The firearm is aimed from the side of the head at a point midway between the eye and the base of the ear (position b in Figure 3).
Horned sheep and rams:
The firearm is aimed at a point
in the middle of the face just above the level of the eyes and aimed along the
neck (position a Figure 4).
Figure 3. (left) Figure 4 (right)
Pigs
Frontal method: the firearm should be directed at a point about midway across the forehead and (for adult pigs) about 2 centimetres above the level of the eyes ( position b in Figure 5). Aim horizontally into the skull.
Temporal method: the pig is shot from the side of the head so that the bullet enters the skull at a point midway between the eye and the base of the ear on the same side of the head ( position a in Figure 5 ).
The bullet should be directed horizontally into the skull. This method is preferred for adult pigs due to the heavier bone structure of the front of the skull.
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Figure 5. Humane destruction of pigs 'a' indicates recommended position for temporal method 'b' indicates recommended position for frontal method
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Goats
Direct the firearm to the skull behind the horns as shown by the point of the arrow in Figure 6. Aim the firearm in line with animal's mouth, and take care that no one is in the line of fire.
Kids may also be shot from the front as for cattle. However, this method is not suitable for mature goats as the brain is located well back in the skull compared to other livestock.
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Figure 6. Humane destruction of goat |
Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries and Primary Industries Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.
Last updated 09 June 2005
