Euthanization Methods - Which do YOU think is right?

[wolfy-hound]

Technically, gunshot to the head could miss the very small brain, and if it does hit the brain, it's the same as blunt trauma or pithing the brain. It's just less hands on, which many people find preferable.

Of course, it would be preferable that you're not put into jail for firing the weapon too, although 90% of cops showing up for a discharged weapon call would probably applaud you if you explained you were killing a snake. Crazy isn't it?

[ed4281]

The best way is to take your snake to the vet and let them do it. The most common way to euthanise a snake at a veterinary hospital is to sedate them with gas first, then either inject the heart or brain with euthanasia solution. This is the most painless way and the only way I would do it.

In response to an earlier post on this thread stating that a vet tech said they are sometimes still breathing an hour later, they arent doing it right and any veterinarian who knows any thing about reptiles will sedate them first and then euthanise.

[Sariel]

Id like to add one more thing about death by chopping off the head.. A potential problem Ive seen with this is how far down from the head people choose to sever <I dont know why, but in the south people like to take pictures if the wild snakes the behead>, and the method used. WHile I know none of us would agree that using a shovel is the best way of doing it, Even the standard kitchen knife is probably going to have a hard time getting through a snakes body in one swift motion. Personally I dont have access to a hatchet or axe because I just don't live in an environment where I need to buy one. So for the average homeowner/renter I dont think that method is even feesable.

That said I prefer pithing or a quick smash to the head. Mostly since I simply cant find any source that can tell me with 100% surety that any other method is without even the smallest time spent suffering.

I'll suck up alittle mess in favor of an animal going out as quickly and painlessly as possible.

[kitedemon]

I really don't ever want to need to do this and the topic is quite upsetting to think about. I agree that decapitation is not a really great option. ever read about Mike the headless chicken? I understand a snakes nervous system is very simple by human standards and slow to act, I would think Pithing would be a good option but I don't think I could personally do that to my snake. I wonder if CO2 would work? It is the recommended by American Veterinary Medical Association for small mammals why not snakes I don't know it is just a thought. I hope that I never am forced to do any method for real!!! I am very sorry for the person whom actually needed to euthanize a snake.

[-C@jun-]

What ever method is painless for the snake. Whether or not its wrong or right. Chop it shoot it freeze it something, just end the suffering.

[mrmertz]

Interesting poll.

Just for the record, I voted injection. I just could not bring myself to bludgeon any of our boys - mercy killing or not.

I'm NOT bashing any of the others here that picked a method other than injection. I'm just saying for me personally the other methods are just to "hands-on".

I just don't handle the whole "death thing" very well - particularly when it comes to pets. It just really sucks having to let one go, even if it is for their own good...

[ClarkT]

I chose other, cause I keep not realizing some of these polls are multiple choice.

The right way is a quick way. End the suffering. Funny thing, that nature doesn't usually do it this way. Like when a wolf takes down a pregnant elk, eats the fetus, and leaves the mother to lay there, bleeding out, waiting to die.

Anyway, shoot it, chop the head, smash it, pithing, or injections are ok with me.

Not too sure if the freezing seems that smart... I almost died from hypothermia once. It's a weird feeling. You really go numb to any pain, because of how tired it makes you. However, a reptile may experience it differently.

Bottom line, though, is to make it quick. When that point comes for me, I'll likely smash the head. They won't feel a thing.

[het.pied]

i personally would go to the vet and let them take care of it.

but i also am kinda leaning toward co2. im just curious cause this is what i do to euthanize my rats before i put them in the freezer. would it have the same effect on ball pythons. i know they breath at a slower rate then mammals, so would it put them to sleep before actually killing them like it does to the rats?

[mainbutter]

If I were to go, I'd choose high-powered firearm.

[jallenfl]

I chose Other as well.

The A.V.A. states many methods are inhumane.

For instance freezing reptiles does not kill them quickly nor in a painless way. It mostly causes painfull exploding of the cells as the animal recieves frostbite before death occures.

Severing the head is considered inhumane but I would second this method over others as yes the brain is still intact but there is no connection to the nerves. Does the brain still feel pain? Who really knows.

Smashing seems evil to me for some reason, like a upset child stomping on something is what I picture.

Euthanasea is optional and still cost money but for the average person this is probably best.

As for myself I have practiced the method of Co2 for a few years and it works great when needed. I have used this method with many bearded dragons as well as other reptiles.

I simply constructed a 5 gallon bucket with clamps to hold lid on while pressure leaks out the sides. Cut a circle out of the lid using a hole saw and then caulked a Co2 line to the lid. I then hook the line to my tank and regulator and release the gas slowly. Just like many have done for there Feeders...Co2 works mostly by displacing oxygen meaning it will even remove all oxygen even from the lungs, brain and blood stream and results in a painless state of eternal sleep.

Many cases have been reported of humans becoming unconsious from Co2 exposure at higher PPM levels never knowing they had inhaled the substance.