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Euthanasia of Animals of "Euthanasia of Animals"

While it may not be pleasant, the fact remains that lethal control of wildlife is often necessary. This page will contain information and links to methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

When euthanasia is required, the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) recommends the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) methods.  The following guidelines for these euthanasia techniques are written with Nebraska State Laws in mind. Your state may have different rules. Always check local laws before initiating wildlife damage management.

Read the Euthanasia Process information before implementing any euthanasia procedure.

Sodium pentobarbital—An injection of sodium pentobarbital is considered by many to be the most humane method of euthanasia.  Acquiring, possessing, and using this drug is strictly regulated by state and federal laws.  For this reason, it is necessary to seek the assistance of a veterinarian or a specially licensed dog pound or animal shelter when using this method to euthanize an animal.  The carcasses of animals euthanized by drugs, except for the hide when it may be legally sold, must be disposed of by burial, incineration, or disposal in a landfill.  These carcasses cannot be sold or given away.

Publications

• AVMA panel on euthanasia (2001 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia, J Am Vet Med Assoc; 218:669-696) is available online at http://www.avma.org/resources/euthanasia.pdf