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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 />

Make A Better <strong>City</strong> 55

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