Protection of Animal at the Time of Killing (PATOK) (EC) No 1099/2009
Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing 2012 (WATOK)
Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2205 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations
The Animal Welfare Act 2006
The Protection of Animals Act 1911
The Animal Heath Act 1981
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997
What are the two methods of mechanical stunning?
Free bullet guns
Captive bolt pistols
What species are free bullet guns good for?
Horses
How far off the animals head must you hold a shotgun?
5-20cm
How does a shotgun work?
It creates a small entry wound but disperses in the brain and kills the animal
True or false: as a vet you need a licence to use a shotgun?
True - only licensed to use a captive bolt pistol
Can you kill an animal with a captive bolt?
No - they are only humane stunners
What type of cartridges are used in captive bolt pistols?
Blank cartridges
What is meant by percussion?
To make the animal unconscious by administering a severe blow to the skull of the animal. This may not kill the animal.
What are the different positions for a captive bolt in animals? Horse, cow, sheep/goat, horned sheep/goat, pig?
Horse - just above or centre of X drawn between base of ears and lateral canthus of eye
Cow - centre of X drawn between base of horns and lateral canthus of eye
Sheep/goat - highest point of head
Horned sheep/goat - behind horns
Pig - centre of line drawn between eyes
What is pithing?
When you introduce a plastic rod into the entry wound created by the captive bolt and destroy the brainstem to prevent the animal returning to consciousness
Why is pithing not used in animals meant for human/animal consumption?
It introduces bacteria and has been associated with BSE contamination
What are the signs of an effective stun?
No rhythmic breathing
A fixed glazed expression
No corneal reflex
A relaxed jaw
Tongue hanging out
What are the two phases that occur after stunning?
Tonic and clonic phases
What happens in the tonic phase? How long does it last?
Animal collapses, stops breathing, becomes rigid, head extended/hind limbs flexed, forelegs gradually straighten out, no eye reflex
10-20s
What happens in the clonic phase?
Involuntary kicking
What is sticking?
Sever major blood vessels to promote quick blood loss (death)
When should sticking occur in a) cattle b) sheep and goats c) pigs?
a) 1 min
b) 15 seconds
c) As soon as you can
How long should you wait after pithing to dress/ES the carcase in a) cattle b) sheep, goats, pigs and deer?
