Humane killing of injured livestock

There are situations when it is appropriate to humanely kill livestock to prevent suffering. Livestock that have been hit by a vehicle or seriously injured, including in a natural disaster, are examples where humane killing may be necessary.

A person must only kill an animal in a way that is consistent with the requirements of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001. The killing must:

• be humane
• cause the animal to die quickly and without unreasonable pain.

The most efficient and common way to humanely kill livestock is by a close range gunshot to the brain. Using a firearm can be dangerous, so the following points must be considered:

• Only properly trained and licensed people should use firearms.
• There may be legal restrictions on discharging a firearm in certain areas and police permission may be necessary.
• A small calibre firearm is most suitable to reduce the risk of projectiles exiting the head. A .22 or .22 magnum calibre rifle is adequate for most animals if the shot is correctly positioned.
• The range should be as short as possible, but the barrel should never touch the animal's head.
• People should be well clear of the area or stay behind the person shooting.
• The animal must be still and properly restrained. Never fire while the animal is moving its head. Shooting at a moving animal is extremely hazardous to bystanders and may result in further suffering.

Different methods are recommended for different types of animals.

After applying an accepted method of humane killing appropriate for the species, you must confirm the animal is dead by observing the following signs:

• No jaw tone
• No tongue tone
• No corneal reflex (no blinking when touching the surface of the eyeball)
• Fixed dilate pupils
• No rhythmic breathing

This guide contains information on the recommended methods for humanely killing livestock.