46 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN April/May 2025 PEERS NAVIGATING EUTHANASIA MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE AND ENSURING ANIMAL WELFARE, COMPASSION AND COMPLIANCE JESSE FULTON M.S. | EXTENSION EDUCATOR & DIRECTOR OF NEBRASKA BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN Euthanasia is not the most popular topic, but it deserves our fullest attention and should not be taken lightly. There are times when an animalʼs condition deteriorates to a state where keeping the animal alive or marketing it is inhumane and unethical. The term euthanasia is derived from the Greek words eu (good) and thanatos (death) and refers to the practice of intentionally ending an animalʼs life to relieve pain and suffering. Therefore, we aim to ensure a “good death” for animals experiencing irreversible disease, severe injury or unmanageable pain. Euthanasia is a critical aspect of animal welfare and should be utilized when an animalʼs condition is such that additional treatment options will not be effective or if failing to euthanize the animal will extend its suffering or when there is little or no hope of improvement. Three things should be considered when the decision to conduct euthanasia has been made: • Animal Welfare: Euthanasia techniques should cause immediate loss of consciousness followed by cardiac and respiratory arrest (heartbeat and rhythmic breathing stops) that ultimately results in loss of brain function without the return to consciousness. • Safety: The safety of personnel performing euthanasia is paramount. Proper training and equipment are essential to prevent accidents and ensure humane outcomes. • Regulatory Compliance: Euthanasia practices must comply with local, state and federal regulations. This includes proper documentation and disposal of carcasses. It is the responsibility of all who own or work with livestock to have the proper equipment and knowledge to conduct this procedure effectively, in a timely manner when necessary and with a focus on avoiding pain and distress for the animal. Any method of euthanasia not approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is considered animal abuse. The “Guidelines for Euthanasia of Animals” published by the AVMA accept three primary methods of euthanasia: • Administration of a lethal dose of a barbiturate • Gunshot • Penetrating captive bolt When it comes to using a barbiturate, only a licensed veterinarian can administer it. Additionally, special considerations regarding the disposal of the carcass must be made to prevent the accidental euthanasia of scavengers that may feed on the carcass. A penetrating captive bolt is generally used to cause unconsciousness of the animal and must be followed with a secondary step such as exsanguination, intravenous administration of potassium chloride or magnesium sulfate, or the use of pithing to ensure death. The most common form of euthanasia selected by cattle producers is gunshot. This is an excellent method in that, if executed accurately, it induces instantaneous unconsciousness and death. However, using a firearm for euthanasia should only be done by those who have extensive training in firearm handling and understand the potential risks. Additionally, there are certain considerations that must be made when selecting a firearm for euthanasia. These considerations include caliber size, muzzle energy delivered, projectile style (solid point vs. hollow points) and distance to the target. When using a handgun, it is recommended to be within 3 feet or less and use a caliber ranging from .32 to .45. Additionally, research has shown that a 9 mm handgun performs poorly in regard to euthanasia. When using a rifle, a .22 caliber or greater is required. Recent studies and recommendations from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) suggest that a .22 LR is sufficient for animals younger than four months of age, but a .22 magnum is needed for animals older than four months
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