Euthanasia
4.9 Euthanasia is an acceptable procedure only if an animal cannot be provided with captive
conditions which meet the Five Principles, or it cannot be released into the wild.
Although breeding for conservation purposes is to be encouraged, species for which there
is marginal or no conservation value should be carefully assessed on whether to allow them
to breed, and, if not, appropriate action taken to prevent stock from increasing
unnecessarily. In the main, measures should be taken to control unwanted or unnecessary
breeding, are preferable to euthanasia of healthy stock.
4.10 Euthanasia may be justifiable under certain conditions, which include the following:
• If, in the opinion of a vet, an animal is suffering from an incurable disease, or severe
pain or suffering which cannot be alleviated.
• If a zoo has to close, euthanasia may be the only option for some animals and the
most humane for others.
• If the animal poses a serious and unavoidable threat to human safety (e.g. because
it has escaped).
• Culling of surplus stock (including unacceptable sex ratios) where over-crowding
compromises the welfare of the animals so that it is impractical to maintain them
within the Five Principles.
4.11 It is important that a modern zoo has a policy, with appropriate protocols, to ensure
humane and timely euthanasia to minimise suffering. This information should be made
available to Inspectors and form part of the audit process. It should be capable of
demonstrating that zoo operators have:
a) information and guidance from their veterinary surgeon on euthanasia, including
emergency methods;
b) facilities for the humane despatch of animals of all the species kept, including for
killing casualties under emergency conditions
c) support and advice on public relations aspects of the killing of animals.
