Use:
Shooting can be the most painless and is sometimes the only available method to humanely dispose of an animal. However, a number of factors must be considered before discharging a firearm.
- You must comply with local laws and regulations regarding the transportation and discharge of firearms. It is the responsibility of the permittee and employee(s) to ensure the safe handling and use of firearms. The careless, negligent, or reckless use of firearms is a violation of state law.
- The operator and firearm must be capable of producing a quick death by a shot to the brain of the animal. The animal’s movement must be restricted enough to allow proper shot placement. The carcasses of animals killed by shooting may be sold if sale is lawful.
- The target animal will not need to be tested for rabies, as the brain is needed for the test.
The muzzle of the gun should be 1.5 to 2.0 inches from the animal’s brain when using a .22 cal long-rifle mushroom shell or a .410 shotgun with slugs or pellets. The gun muzzle should be 39 to 78 inches away from the animal’s brain for larger firearms, such as a .308 rifle.
In general, the bullet should pass through the brain toward the spine. While exact placement differs slightly for each species, the rule of thumb is to draw an imaginary line between the right eye and left ear and the left eye and the right ear. The two lines will intersect at the bony ridge of the skull. Try to place the bullet just off-center of the intersecting point to avoid the bony ridge. Direct the bullet so that it will pass through the brain toward the base of the skull – where it attaches to the spine. This way, the bullet will cause a great deal of tissue damage and ensure a more humane death.
The principles behind bullet placement for domestic animals shown below apply to wildlife:
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Even a properly placed shot can result in violent convulsions of the dying animal. The death is considered humane because the animal is unconscious during its passing. Shot animals can also disperse blood and saliva over the area. Technicians should avoid becoming exposed to animal fluids. They should avoid shooting where fluids may expose other animals to potential diseases.
Publications
- AVMA 2020 Euthanasia Guidelines
- Guidelines for euthanasia of domestic animals by firearms. 1991. J. (Al) Longair; et al.Canadian Veterinary Journal. 32:724-726 as reprinted in The Probe, Issue 149, November 1994. pp. 1, 6-7.
