Euthanasia

Efforts that reduce or eliminate an animal’s distress include a warm, calm environment, free of noise, unfamiliar odors and harsh lighting.

All of the following are acceptable reasons for a wildlife rehabilitator to euthanize an animal; intractable pain, inability to survive in the wild, to free up space for newly admitted animals

Acceptable methods of euthanasia include; drowning, gunshot, poisoning, & asphyxiation

Euthanasia should cause a rapid loss of consciousness followed by cardiac arrest

Before euthanizing a protected species (e.g., threatened or endangered species, migratory birds, certain game species) suffering from imminently fatal injuries the Dept of Fisheries & Wildlife need to be contacted first.

Euthanasia is the most humane decision for an animal that would not be able to find food, shelter or escape from predators in the wild

Injecting pentobarbital is a good alternative for euthanasia when an animal can be well-restrained

Wildlife rehabilitators must become insensitive to euthanasia in order to do their job properly

Wildlife rehabilitators should be prepared to euthanize the animals in their care and take only animals needing medical attention to their consultant veterinarian.

The carcass of animals euthanized by injection should be cremated because it could poison another animal if consumed.