A bullet can be a humane way to kill animals

Much attention has been given to the city of Houston and its recent euthanasia of animals at the shelter that was conducted by the shooting of as many as eight animals. I spoke with Sgt. Charlie Seidl recently concerning the incident. He conveyed to me that death threats have been made over the incident.

I also read a statement from Theresa Beck, DVM, who stated that euthanasia by use of bullets is inhumane and not consistent with an accepted standard of care.

While I do respect Dr. Beck and applaud her commitment to animals, I am not the only one who disagrees with such a statement. In June 2007, the American Veterinary Medical Association issued its “Guidelines on Euthanasia,” which was based upon its ongoing panel on euthanasia. In that document, AVMA discussed physical methods of euthanasia. The report states, “When properly used by skilled personnel with well-maintained equipment, physical methods of euthanasia may result in less fear and anxiety and be more rapid, painless, humane and practical than other forms of euthanasia.”

Of the several methods of physical methods of euthanasia, the AVMA guideline specifically discusses the use of gunshot as a physical method. The AVMA report goes on to say:

“A properly placed gunshot can cause immediate insensibility and humane death. In some circumstances, a gunshot may be the only practical method of euthanasia. Shooting should only be performed by highly skilled personnel trained in the use of firearms and only in jurisdictions that allow for legal firearm use. Personnel, public and nearby animal safety should be considered. The procedure should be performed outdoors and away from public access. For use of a gunshot to the head as a method of euthanasia in captive animals, the firearm should be aimed so that the projectile enters the brain, causing instant loss of consciousness.”

I have not only worked with Sgt. Seidl in a law enforcement capacity, I have spent time with him shooting firearms in tactical firearms training classes. Sgt. Seidl is very competent with firearms and, in my estimation, his skill level far exceeds that required to safely and humanely euthanize animals. I also know that he is an animal lover and has a dog of his own.

The immediate loss of consciousness means that the animal does not suffer. The views of Dr. Beck are notable and newsworthy. However, I have spoken to several veterinarians who have specifically said that the use of a properly placed bullet is humane. I had a discussion with the state epidemiologist some years ago in dealing with a suspected rabid animal. While it was agreed that euthanasia could be performed humanely by placing a bullet in the head of the animal, the brain needed to be preserved for testing and less humane methods were required to euthanize the animal.

However, death threats against law enforcement officers who are doing their jobs and following lawful orders causes a lot of suffering by the officer, his spouse and children.

The media has given a lot of exposure to this story and it has a right to do so. However, a little research on the part of any news agency that I have seen cover this story would have given a much more balanced report, would have provided more information for the public to make a balanced decision and may not have caused as much controversy.

Aaron Parker lives in Kenai and was a police officer for the city of Houston.