Euthanasia and Wildlife Rehabilitation

For wildlife rehabilitators, euthanasia means to end an animal’s life so they don’t suffer or because their injuries are too severe for them to be able to live a quality life.

The word euthanasia comes from Greek and means good death. Euthanasia should be quick and meant to alleviate suffering.

As licensed wildlife rehabilitators our job is to release animals back into the wild to live the life they were intended to live. That means they need to be in good health, have use of their limbs, have good vision, and be able to forage or catch prey.

If the animal is not able to recover and live naturally then it’s our job to humanly euthanize them.

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ESTABLISH PROTOCOLS

By establishing protocols, you put in set standards that you will follow prior to euthanasia. For larger centers, this may involve certain leaders. If you are a home center the decision may rest on one person.

Such policies may include animals that are in need of immediate euthanasia and animals that you will treat and then make a call. It’s important to have timetables in place.

How long will you give the animal to make a significant recovery? I tend to err on giving a long recovery and in that time getting attached to the animal.

IMMEDIATE CASES MAY INCLUDE:

An animal that meets the definition of a serious zoonotic disease such as rabies.

An animal that is severely crushed by a car or maimed

An animal that is actively dying

WAIT AND SEE CASES

For many animals, we need to give them time to respond to medical treatment. We have all had animals who initially respond well and then pass and we wonder why.

You have also had cases I’m sure where the animal does not make a complete recovery but is still able to live a full life.

TRAINING

For many centers, your veterinarian may perform your euthanasia. This may be easier emotionally on the staff.

I personally use my vet because it’s emotionally easier, even if I assist. Also, the vet has access to drugs which makes the process go smoother. My alternative is using a gun and I am not comfortable shooting animals.

If your center takes in a large number of animals this may not be realistic cost-wise.

Some states have mandatory training that is required before a non-veterinarian can perform euthanasia. Persons may be required to hold certification as a Euthanasia Technicians to perform euthanasia.

You can earn a CET at a variety of institutions. The classes are open to anyone working with animals. Your state may have approved places where you can earn the CET.

CRITERIA

The Minimum Standards Handbook put together by International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council has the following criteria that they feel euthanasia must meet.

From Chapter 7

While there is no ideal form of euthanasia, the procedure you choose should attempt to meet the following criteria:

•  - Produces rapid loss of consciousness and death

•  - Is easily and safely administered by properly trained personnel

•  - Causes minimal psychological stress to the animal

•  - Causes minimal emotional effects to observers and participants

•  - Does not involve abuse by humans

•  - Interrupts consciousness and reflexes simultaneously

•  - Results in no tissue damages that would affect a postmortem diagnosis ie: rabies

•  - Is economical and readily available

THE GREY AREA

Sometimes an animal falls in that gray area. We are not sure if they will make a good recovery.

In that case, we need to think ahead and know what our options will be if the animal is not able to be released.

In some cases, the animal may be able to become an education animal. Education animals are un-releasable wildlife that is used to educate the public.

Most education animals require additional permits from either the state or federal governments. They also require housing that meets certain specifications.

Another question to ask yourself is will you be able to place this animal. The International Wildlife Rehabilitators has a placement board for un-releasable animals. Note that you must have proper permits to participate. Keep in mind that like any rescue there is an overabundance of animals seeking homes.

Some education animals may be easy to handle and travel to groups. Some education animals may be display animals only.

CONSIDERATIONS OF EDUCATION ANIMALS

• Must be a species that you can get a permit for or be able to place with another rehabber, park, or environmental education facility.

• Will the animal be free from pain

• Will the animal be able to have a quality life even with a disability

• How does the animal react to being around people – are they stressed and scared?

 WHAT ARE EDUCATION ANIMALS?

Having education animals is a commitment. Most states require the animal to participate in education programs for the public so many times a year.

In addition, you need to consider the long-term plan for the animals. I am 57 years old and have turtles that will probably outlive me.

In situations like that you need a plan for their care after your death. In the meantime, they need proper housing and care.

For instance, I have several turtles that were run over by cars. They recovered but two had head trauma which affected their eyesight, and one has a broken and mal-aligned beak.

The turtles have adapted quite well, they don’t hide in their shells, and will walk around among a group of seated children.

I take them to schools and to scout groups. This gives me an opportunity to educate the public about turtles and reptiles.

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EMOTIONAL INTERFERENCE

I am the first to admit I have emotional interference. I sometimes have a hard time making this decision because I WANT to help the animal.

That’s why I became a wildlife rehabilitator. I want to help animals.

However, sometimes the helpful thing to do is euthanasia.

If you are faced with a hard decision, consult another rehabber who you know personally or your veterinarian.

I would not recommend asking on the internet. Things like Facebook groups are full of bullies who don’t understand your situation or are just very emotionally manipulative.

DEATH DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE FAILED

Irene Ruth makes this point in her book Wild Mammal Babies and I have heard many rehabilitator instructors say these same words.   

Death does not mean you have failed. You have helped the animal pass over humanely. They are at peace.

I know of many rehabbers who say a prayer as the animal passes.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has guidelines for the euthanasia of animals on their website.

ACCEPTABLE MEANS OF EUTHANASIA

There are several ways you can use to euthanize an animal in your care. The way you choose may take into consideration the size of the animal. It may also consider your budget and what is available to you.

See Chapter 7 of Minimal Standards for a complete listing or simply discuss with your veterinarian.

DRUGS

Drugs such as barbiturates, typically combined with a sedative.  Most states have strict rules on having access to “controlled substances” and requires training, record keeping, and locked storage.

This method may only be available to a veterinarian or vet tech, depending on your state.

GUN

Gun Shot is considered an acceptable way to end an animal’s life. While this may seem violent, if done properly it is quick.

Keep in mind that the person doing the shooting needs to be experienced in handling the weapon and understands safe practices.

PENETRATING CAPTIVE BOLT

Quick-acting, a bolt is fired into the skull.  This is recommended for larger animals.

Requires special equipment, training, and a permit.

UNACCEPTABLE WAYS TO EUTHANIZE

There are many unacceptable and inhumane ways to perform euthanasia. They are not permitted because they incur prolonged death and stress in the animal.

This is the list from the Minimum Standards Guide Chapter 7 of unacceptable methods:

• acetone

• air embolism

• cyanide

• drowning

• electrocution

• freezing

• kill traps

• neuromuscular blocking agents used alone (succinylcholine, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate); maybe acceptable if used in combination with a sedative

• nitrogen or argon gas, nitrous oxide used alone,

• strychnine

• thoracic compression

DISPOSAL OF BODY

After euthanasia, an exam should take place to make sure the animal is dead. Listening for a heartbeat with a stethoscope and checking for a pulse.

You can then follow your center’s methods for disposal of the wildlife. Some local health departments require the body to be placed in the trash collection and some permit on-site burial.

Incineration is also an option. You may have access to an incinerator at a local animal control shelter.

When burying a carcass make sure it is deep enough not to be dug up by other animals. Dust lime over the body to help discourage any disease organisms.

Endangered animals and especially eagles have to be meet certain guidelines for disposal. Eagles, both bald and golden, bodies and feathers must be sent to the National Eagle and Wildlife Property Repository.

NECROPSY

A rehabilitator may choose to necropsy the carcass to learn more about why the animal died. They can do this at their facility or send the animal’s body to a professional laboratory. Many universities have necropsy labs.

DONATION OF BODY

It is allowed to transfer a body to a museum, environmental education center or another licensed institution to be mounted for educational display. You may consider contacting such places before your baby season begins to see if they have any interest in specific species.

TAKE AWAY

Euthanasia is a hard topic to think about, but it is important to consider how you will proceed when faced with this situation.

Author, Ame Vanorio is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and the director of Fox Run Environmental Education Center.