Quote Originally Posted by littleindiangirl View Post
Tyler, I suggest you read thoroughly the AVMA section on the use of CO2. The text is not concrete, and is open to interpretation, which we have all done, either for or against dry ice.

I personally believe CO2 by the dry ice method is also humane. No where in their text to they explicitly say that it is inhumane, nor do they hint at it. They simply say that for reasons of control, it is not acceptable.

You may have taken this to mean it is inhumane, but if you were to read the complete text of the article, you would know that where they find a method inhumane, they explicitly say so and why. I do not feel they leave those methods open to speculation.

There is only that small mention of dry ice, no where else do they mention it, also, it is not at the end of the article in the unapproved methods.


Now. Back to my interpretation.

They do mention that they only recommend the use of a regulator as the only acceptable means, however....



And,



They do not mention anywhere what the levels of CO2 production are for dry ice, but I hazard a guess a search would find this information.

I will take a stab in the dark and say the CO2 released is very high in percentage, which allows for a short time to unconsciousness, approx 15-33 seconds (AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia, pg. 8) and falls into their guidelines of being a humane way to dispatch rodents.

If you find concrete proof that the CO2 being given off by dry ice falls below the rate or concentration percentage they mention in the article I will concede. Until then, I do not think you can say that using dry ice is inhumane when used properly like directed in this thread.

My .02 cents.

You are 100% dead WRONG!!!!

The following was taken from page 8 of the AVMA (AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION) GUIDELINES ON EUTHANASIA, JUNE 2007 and they are very specific:

Recommendations—Carbon dioxide is acceptable for euthanasia in appropriate species (Appendices 1 and 2). Compressed CO2 gas in cylinders is the only recommended source of carbon dioxide because the inflow to the chamber can be regulated precisely. Carbon dioxide generated by other methods such as from dry ice, fire extinguishers, or chemical means (eg, antacids) is unacceptable.

It says in black and white that compressed CO2 gas in cylinders is the only recommended source of carbon dioxide because the inflow to the chamber can be regulated precisely. And that dry ice is unacceptable!!! How can you possibly refute that???

I do not post here often, but I believe the moderators should read for themselves this section of the American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines on Euthanasia and convey this information to the members of this forum. I believe it to be of the utmost of importance.

Tyler