Leading

All animals should be provided a humane death.

Prior to euthanasia, animals should be transported and handled carefully to minimize fear, pain, suffering and distress.  State and federal laws pertaining to the transportation, handling, feeding and watering of these animals must be obeyed.  Sick or injured animals should be separated or moved to a safe place and immediately treated until euthanized.

The termination of an animal’s life should be performed by trained and qualified personnel in a humane manner and in accordance with the current version of the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia, regardless of circumstance or location.  This includes, but not limited to, a veterinary facility, university, research facility, food processing plant, animal shelter, humane society, farm, ranch, or residence.

(July 2010)