Full Resource - City of Edmonton
Full Resource - City of Edmonton
Full Resource - City of Edmonton
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Make A Better <strong>City</strong><br />
How animals are euthanized<br />
The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Edmonton</strong> uses only one humane method <strong>of</strong> euthanasia,<br />
which is carried out by a licensed veterinarian at the Animal Care &<br />
Control Centre to ensure the animal experiences minimal discomfort.<br />
Consistent with humane organizations and veterinary associations across<br />
North America, the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Edmonton</strong> considers euthanasia by injection<br />
to be the preferred method.<br />
Observers describe the method as leading to a quick and peaceful death.<br />
A two-stage process is involved: an initial injection with a tranquilizer<br />
renders the animal unconscious and a second injection causes death.<br />
The chemical enters the animal’s blood stream, causing instant loss<br />
<strong>of</strong> consciousness and pain sensation and stopping the beating <strong>of</strong> the<br />
animal’s heart, thereby causing death while the animal is deeply asleep.<br />
This is where the term “put to sleep” comes from. The animal undergoes<br />
anesthesia and then death without experiencing any pain.<br />
The two-stage injection process allows Animal Care & Control Centre<br />
staff to provide personal comfort to each animal. Animals who end their<br />
lives in a shelter deserve to have their last moments as free <strong>of</strong> pain and<br />
discomfort as can be provided by the practice <strong>of</strong> humane euthanasia.<br />
Procedure for humane euthanasia<br />
Euthanasia is a process in which an animal is deliberately killed to<br />
humanely relieve its suffering or to bring an end to dangerous behaviour.<br />
a. The animal is sedated before euthanasia is performed.<br />
b. A lethal solution is administered by intravenous injection by<br />
hypodermic needle.<br />
c. Euthanasia is performed by a licensed veterinarian, or a licensed<br />
or registered veterinary technician under the supervision <strong>of</strong> a licensed<br />
veterinarian.<br />
d. At least two people must be present for administration <strong>of</strong> an<br />
injection, one to hold the animal and one to perform the procedure.<br />
e. An animal may not be left unattended between the time euthanasia<br />
procedures are commenced and the time death occurs, nor may its<br />
body be disposed <strong>of</strong> until death is confirmed by a qualified person.<br />
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