Best practices for nuisance wildlife control operators in New York State

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Ch 5: Step three: Do it - Lethal techniques

Cervical dislocation

This method is commonly referred to as "breaking the neck" but would more accurately be described as "snapping the spine." The goal is to quickly separate the spinal cord from the brain to provide a fast and painless death. The separation must take place at the base of the brain or within the upper third of the neck (the cervical spine area).

This method requires skill, practice, and strength, especially with the larger animals, which have thicker, stronger necks. NWCOs unfamiliar with this technique should receive training and practice on dead animals before attempting this on a live animal.

Cervical dislocation is used primarily for small to medium-sized birds (duck sized or smaller) and small mammals, such as mice and rabbits. Be cautious if working with a mammal, especially a rabies vector species (it's safest to use a different method for them). This technique brings your hands into direct contact with the animal's head near its mouth. Remember that no glove can provide 100% guaranteed protection.

To snap the spine of a pigeon or duck-sized bird, grasp the base of the bird's skull in one hand and its body (usually at the base of the neck) in the other hand. Pull hard and fast—twist your hands in opposite directions.

Another cervical dislocation technique for birds uses pliers or vise grips. For smaller birds (up to 11 oz., about the weight of a pigeon), hold the bird in one hand, and a pair of needle-nose pliers in the other. Place the open pliers over the bird's neck vertebrae (in the cervical spine area). Slide the pliers up the neck until they contact the head and are directly over the first and second vertebra in the top of the neck, which support the skull (the atlas and axis vertebra). Then close the pliers firmly and hold for 2–5 seconds.

For larger birds (12 oz.–3 lbs., the upper limit is about the weight of a gull): Hold the bird in one hand, and a pair of square-jawed vise grips in the other. Adjust the vise grips so its jaws will slide over the bird's neck but not over its head. Then slide the vise grips up to the base of the bird's head. With your other hand, pull the bird's body quickly, to snap its spine (separating the cervical vertebrae from the skull).

To snap the spine of a small mammal or larger bird, put it on a hard, flat surface. Hold a strong stick or metal rod firmly against the base of the animal's skull. Pull its body away from its head in a single, steady motion. Keep the stick in place, then bend the body over the head.

Advantages of cervical dislocation

1. it's one of the fastest humane killing techniques
    
2. no equipment necessary
    
3. can be done discreetly in the field
    
4. if done correctly, it's not bloody

Disadvantages

1. brings your hands into direct contact with the animal's head, which, if dealing with mammals, increases your risk of exposure to rabies
    
2. this technique doesn't look as good as others and may disturb onlookers. Animals often keep moving for several seconds or even minutes after death. That's not a sign of pain; it's a reflex.
    
3. requires skill, speed, and strength
    
4. best restricted to small mammals (excluding the rabies vector species) and bird

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