Best practices for nuisance wildlife control operators in New York State

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Ch 5: Step three: Do it - Lethal techniques

Step three: Do it - Lethal techniques - Rationale for the methods included in this manual

The following recommendations are meant for the species discussed in this manual. In the species accounts in Appendices B and C, we've listed preferred and acceptable killing methods for each species. Whenever possible, use a preferred method.

Some of the lethal techniques we'll describe can also be used as removal methods, such as lethal trapping, shooting, and the use of barbiturates or pesticides. The others are strictly killing methods: the use of a carbon dioxide chamber, cervical dislocation, stunning, and chest compression.

This list reflects current scientific information and the judgment of experienced NWCOs and wildlife biologists—people who care deeply about the treatment of wildlife and have actually used these methods in the field over many years. Many factors were considered when evaluating a method. Is it as quick and painless as possible? Is the technique or product generally safe for the NWCO, the public, other animals, and the environment? Is it practical for use in the field? Does it require additional permits? Is it legal in most places? How reliable is the method? Can most NWCOs be expected to master the technique, or does it require more than average skill or strength? Although we did consider public opinion, we did not rule out techniques that don't look pretty because in some situations, these methods may provide a more humane death than a technique that looks better.

Some of these methods also meet the guidelines described in the 2000 Report of the American Veterinarian Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia. Although their report focuses on domestic animals and the techniques used to kill them in a controlled, indoor setting—it was written for vets, after all—you may still wish to read it to better understand some of these techniques. The report is available online. Click on the reference above to download the PDF file. 

This is the aspect of your job that might require the most discretion. In general, it's best to work in private. If a crowd has gathered, ask them to leave, or move the animal to a private setting before you kill it. This is safer for the people and kinder to the animal, who may be stressed by the presence of the crowd. If you must kill an animal in front of others, first explain what you are doing and why.

Carry a variety of tools so you can choose from the full range of methods, selecting the one that's most appropriate for the situation. In some cases, you may use one method to cause unconsciousness and another to kill the animal.

With the exception of lethal traps and the use of pesticides, which are set and then left in place, the NWCO is able to monitor the animal to make sure it experiences as little distress as possible. Some lethal methods, such as the use of carbon dioxide chambers, may require adjustment during the process. It's also important to confirm that the animal's dead. An easy way to do this is to touch the animal's eye with a long stick. If it's dead, it won't blink.

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