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  2. University Animal Care Committee (UACC) & Institutional Policies
  3. Policy on Humane Killing of Animals Used in Science

Policy on Humane Killing of Animals Used in Science

University Animal Care Committee (UACC)

Experimental animals are humanely killed when study endpoints have been met and disposition has been approved by the University Animal Care Committee (UACC) in the Animal Use Protocol (AUP).

Whenever an animal is humanely killed, it must be done with the upmost respect and in a way that ensures death is as painless and free of distress as possible. The common definition of euthanasia is a painless death, and while complete absence of pain or stress cannot be guaranteed in the context of animals used in science, humane killing refers to doing what is humanly possible to minimize pain and distress, given the circumstances under which it is performed. The most important criteria for acceptance of a method of humane killing is that it has a rapid initial depressive action on the central nervous system to ensure immediate insensitivity to pain, and that steps are taken to minimise distress. In short, humane killing should result in rapid loss of consciousness, followed by respiratory and cardiac arrest and ultimate loss of all brain function.

Personnel responsible for humanely killing animals must be trained so that they can execute the appropriate and approved methods both effectively, humanely and with demonstrated competency; are able to recognize signs of pain and distress in relevant species; and recognize and confirm unconsciousness, and death.

The UACC is responsible for the approval of the method of humane killing for any study involving the use of animals. All Animal Use Protocols involving humane killing must include a description of the methods to be used. The UACC will consider the method(s)on a case-by-case basis according to appropriateness in a given situation, taking the scientific literature and scientific goals of the research into account, and in consultation with the University Veterinarian, researcher and animal care staff as appropriate.

The recognised methods of humane killing are listed as either acceptable or conditionally acceptable based on the CCAC Guidelines on: euthanasia of animals used in science (2010). The use of conditionally acceptable methods may be acceptable by the UACC in certain circumstances where there is scientific justification. Conditionally acceptable methods are listed as such, because there is a greater potential for operator error or safety hazards, they might not consistently produce humane death, or they are not well documented in the scientific literature.

Table 1: Acceptable Methods of Euthanasia:

Classification and Common Name Acceptable Methods
Class Amphibia (Amphibians)
Frog, Toad
  • Immersion or injection of buffered tricaine methane sulfonate (TMS; also known as MS222, tricaine)
  • Immersion or injection of benzocaine
  • SC injection of barbiturates into lymph sac
  • Overdose of inhalant anesthetics (for species that do not breath hold), followed by another method to ensure death
Class Reptilia (Reptiles)
Turtle, Snake, Lizard
  • IV or IP injection of barbiturates
  • Penetrating captive bolt (for larger species)
Class Osteichthyes (Bony Fishes)
Class Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fishes)
Fish
  • See also CCAC guidelines on: the care and use of fish in research, teaching and testing
  • Immersion or injection of buffered tricaine methane sulfonate (TMS; also known as MS222, tricaine)
  • Benzocaine
  • Clove oil
  • Maceration (for fish less than 2cm in length)
Class Aves (Birds)
Chicken, Pigeon, etc.
  • IV or IP injection of barbiturates with local anesthetic
  • Overdose of inhalant anesthetics (for species that do not breath hold), followed by other method(s) to ensure death
Class Mammalia (Mammals)
Order Rodentia
Mouse, Rat, Hamster,
Gerbil, Guinea Pig
  • IP/IV injection of barbiturate or anesthetic overdose
  • Overdose of inhalant anesthetics using a calibrated vaporizer (for species that do not breath hold), followed by a secondary method to ensure death
Order Lagomorpha
Rabbit
  • IV injection of barbiturates
  • Overdose of inhalant anesthetics, followed by another method(s) to ensure death
Order Carnivora
Dog
  • IV injection of barbiturates
  • Overdose of inhalant anesthetics, followed by another method(s) to ensure death
Order Artiodactyla (Hoofed animals)
Swine
  • IV injection of barbiturates
  • Overdose of inhalant anesthetics, followed by another method(s) to ensure death
Order Primates (Non-human primates)
Monkeys
  • IV injection of barbiturates
  • Overdose of inhalant anesthetics, followed by another method(s) to ensure death

 

Table 2: Conditionally Acceptable Methods of Euthanasia

Species Conditionally Acceptable Methods of Euthanasia
Fish
  • Concussion (emergency killing for other species)
Birds
  • CO2
  • Cervical dislocation without prior sedation
  • Decapitation without prior sedation
  • Thoracic compression (in suitably sized birds)
Rodents
  • Cervical dislocation without prior sedation
  • Decapitation without prior sedation
  • CO2 asphyxiation
Rabbits
  • Cervical dislocation without prior sedation

 

CCAC Guidelines on: euthanasia of animals used in science.

http://www.ccac.ca/Documents/Standards/Guidelines/Euthanasia.pdf

Date New Version
08/21/2012 Policy Created and Approved
01/28/2016 Triennial Review; Clarification of CO2 asphyxiation in rodents being acceptable at Queen’s (gradual fill method) despite conditionally acceptable at CCAC; Acceptable methods for large mammals added
04/23/2020 Triennial Review; Shift of CO2 asphyxiation in rodents to conditionally acceptable method; Addition of thoracic compression in suitably sized birds as conditionally acceptable method
01/25/2023 Triennial Review; Clarification that overdose of inhalant anesthetics in rodents must use calibrated vaporizer to be acceptable; Replacing term Euthanasia with Humane Killing throughout; New Format

 

UACC Policy on Humane Killing of Animals Used in Science

Download the Humane Killing of Animals Used in Science policy (PDF 104 KB)