Humane Euthanasia - HEPP

Frequently Asked Questions

About Implementing Humane Euthanasia in NM Animal Shelters

1.      What is humane euthanasia? 

The term “euthanasia” is derived from the Greek words “eu” which means “good”, and, “thanatos” which means “ death”.  In order to be humane, every euthanasia technique must result in painless, rapid unconsciousness, followed by cardiac or respiratory arrest, and ultimately death. [i]

2.     What are humane euthanasia methods?

An injection of sodium pentobarbital (a schedule II barbiturate) prepared specifically as a euthanasia agent, when properly performed, has been found to be the most humane, safest, least stressful and most professional choice by recognized experts including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).  Recommendations for administering the drug must be strictly adhered to. [ii]

3.  What is a schedule II drug?

Scheduled drugs are controlled substances regulated by the NM Pharmacy Board, and can only be used by qualified individuals licensed through their department.  Users must also obtain a federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration.  Controlled substances are classified in increments I-V; the lower the number, the higher the potential for human abuse which is why they are carefully monitored and controlled.  Sometimes it is necessary to administer pre-euthanasia anesthetics or sedatives to successfully euthanize an animal. Many pre-euthanasia drugs are classified as schedule III.   Mandated record keeping and security provisions must be strictly adhered to when using any controlled substance>. [iii]  

4.     W hat are veterinary requirements to administering euthanasia and pre-euthanasia drugs?

The NM Board of Veterinary Medicine (NMBVM) Veterinary Practice Act (NMSA 61-14-14A) stipulates that anyone administering a drug be under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian but exempts city or county employees from this provision.  This means that a municipal or county animal shelter with trained employees can obtain a NM Controlled Substance License and a DEA License and legally perform lethal injections on animals.    According to NMBVM Rules and Regulations 16.25.9.20, private or contracted animal shelters must have a veterinarian on premise to perform euthanasia. [iv]   NM is one of two states that still consider lethal injection the practice of veterinary medicine; and, 32 states have “direct licensing” or “Mid-Level Practitioner licenses”: allowing animal shelters or euthanasia technicians to obtain and administer drugs for the limited purpose of animal euthanasia [v] .

5.     What are inhumane “euthanasia” methods?

Inhumane methods include: carbon dioxide; uncooled carbon monoxide; decompression, nitrous oxide, drowning, decapitation, cervical dislocation, pithing, exsanguination, other physical methods, electrocution, gunshot (excluding properly performed field euthanasia in an emergency situation where safe, humane transport of the animal is not possible), air embolism, nitrogen flushing, T-61; strychnine, chloral hydrate, caffeine, nicotine, magnesium sulphate, potassium chloride, succinylcholine chloride(Sucostrin, U-Tha-Sol, Anectine, Quelicin Chloride, Scoline Chloride), and any combination of pentobarbital with a neuromuscular blocking agent. [vi]

6.     What about carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is only conditionally acceptable for some animals when delivered in a properly manufactured and equipped chamber. [vii]   Un-cooled carbon monoxide is unacceptable and the use of carbon monoxide has been outlawed or strictly limited in some states.  The many limitations of carbon monoxide, including the need for a second, readily available method (sodium pentobarbital) for young, old, sick or injured animals, make it less practical, slower and more expensive than lethal injection. 

7.     Where is humane euthanasia being practiced in New Mexico right now?

Many shelters across the state from rural areas to large metropolitan areas have been practicing humane euthanasia for years.  Some cities and counties still use cruel methods to kill unwanted animals, but most are eager to change their method once they receive the appropriate information on humane euthanasia.   Though this is not a complete list, shelters reportedly performing humane euthanasia include: Grants/Cibola County; Gallup/McKinley County; Aztec; Los Alamos; Santa Fe; Albuquerque; Espanola/Rio Arriba County; and Taos.

8.     Are there any laws in New Mexico mandating humane euthanasia?

Though 28 states have laws addressing humane euthanasia, New Mexico has not yet implemented a specific humane euthanasia law, but has, under the Livestock Code 77-18-3, outlawed the use of the decompression chamber. [viii]   There is, however, an increase in citizens and law enforcement charging animal control and animal shelter staff, as well as administrations, with violations of local and state cruelty laws when inhumane methods are used. 

9.     Why do we need humane euthanasia?  (Isn’t what we have already working?) 

Institutionalizing humane animal care is part of our responsibility as a civilized society. [ix] Lawmakers and law enforcement officials cannot expect to hold citizens to a level of humane treatment mandated by state and local animal laws that they themselves are not adhering to in the shelter environment. 

10.  These animals are going to die anyway, why bother with humane euthanasia?

Animal suffering is not tolerated by our society, proven by anti-cruelty statutes in every state, including felony provisions in 38 states.  We have a responsibility to animals we’ve domesticated to provide them with humane care, including a humane death.  The last moments of any sentient being’s life should be made as comfortable as possible. [x]

11.  Isn’t it more expensive to implement a humane euthanasia program than just doing it the way it has always been done?

It is actually cheaper to use sodium pentobarbital (per animal, it costs approximately $1.27 with sodium pentobarbital and $1.32 with carbon monoxide. [xi] ), but even so, using the most humane method available is the right thing to do, for animals and people.

12.  How does destroying unwanted shelter animals affect the people who perform euthanasia?

Euthanasia takes a high emotional toll on even the “toughest” technician.  Shelter workers uniformly report the euthanasia process is easier on them when the experience is painless and quick for the animals.  Typically, euthanasia technicians experience high stress because of moral conflict, public misconception and lack of training, support and resources that could better help them cope. [xii]   When emotions related to the task of euthanasia build up in the form of anger, frustration, guilt, remorse and depression many use negative coping methods such as excessive drug/alcohol consumption, withdrawal and denial. 

13.  Isn’t it easier on the employees to use the chamber?

Most euthanasia technicians report feeling better holding the animal as they draw their last breath and cite the ability to give them some last comfort as important in ensuring a humane death. [xiii]  While some people feel the chamber allows technicians to detach from euthanasia, a humane injection of sodium pentobarbital that causes death instantaneously (when delivered properly) is much easier on the animal and the technician compared to watching the animals die in the chamber over a lengthy period of time.

14.  Isn’t it more dangerous to require the employees to hold the animals in order to inject them?

No.  With proper training, lethal injection is much safer, easier and less stressful.  Employees are taught how to handle fractious, unsocial or aggressive animals using appropriate restraint techniques and pre-euthanasia anesthetics or sedatives. [xiv]   

15.  Isn’t it risky having controlled substances around?

When staff is trained in certified euthanasia classes they are taught procedures that ensure the safe handling of controlled substances.  Easy to implement systems that strictly monitor the drugs are used at all times.  Employees record usage in drug logs and controlled substances are kept in locked storage areas when not in use.  There is not a documented case of an overseeing veterinarian ever losing his/her license because of euthanasia drug diversion in a shelter environment.  The risk of carbon monoxide and other dangerous, inhumane methods to personnel are much higher. [xv]

16.  Is a lethal injection of sodium pentobarbital always humane?

No, it’s possible to torture an animal to death with any euthanasia method when not properly performed.  Departments must budget to train staff in certified classes and, as in all job duties, provide consistent oversight and support to ensure humane protocols are followed and compassionate ethics employed. [xvi]  

17.  Which animals in a shelter are chosen for euthanasia?

Traditional animal shelters that best serve the community have to accept all animals in need of sheltering (strays, relinquished animals, protective care animals and unwanted animals). [xvii]   Because all animal shelters have space limitations, animals are often euthanized when their “hold times” are up, typically ranging from 3-10 days, depending on local ordinances.  Progressive animal shelters are implementing Temperament Testing to screen animals for adoption and to select animals for euthanasia. [xviii]   APNM encourages shelters to adopt this technique to ensure that adoptable animals receive every chance possible at finding a good permanent home.  This process also assists communities in removing from the system animals who are likely to bite or are unlikely to be part of a successful human/animal bond.   NM shelters that have implemented Temperament Testing (such as Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society and Taos Humane Society) report fewer returned animals post-adoption and decreased staff stress during euthanasia.  One euthanasia technician says “Now I have a solid reason for euthanizing animals who probably won’t succeed in a new home and I can give adoptable animals a better chance at a new home, regardless of how many days have gone by”. 

18.  What about wildlife?

Staff trained in certified courses are taught how to humanely euthanize wildlife so there is no guess-work involved.   Protocols for humanely euthanizing skunks and other wild species are readily available [xix] and communities are encouraged to lower the risk of negative encounters by implementing public education campaigns geared toward avoiding conflicts with wild animals and cohabitating safely with wildlife. [xx]  

19.  How do community members in New Mexico feel about humane euthanasia?

Most taxpayers assume the local shelter is using the most current and humane method.  Research shows the community wants and expects the procedure to be done in the most humane manner possible. [xxi]  

20.  If we implement this program, what else are you going to want to change in our animal control department?

For years, APNM has provided technical support, resources and guidance on a range of animal control and shelter issues across the state. Our role is to enable agencies to provide the community and animals with humane, functional animal services.  Looking at the long-range goal of institutionalizing humane animal services in our communities and curbing escalating costs, it makes sense to implement pro-active programs including humane education, aggressive spay/neuter plans, officer certification and a state-wide Animal Protective Services Department.