Euthenasia

[K-Holed]

I'd have to agree with the decapitation/blow to the head method. The issue as I see it, is two fold. There's what's most humane for the fish and also what makes the owner feel better. I'm sure if the vet took a shotgun to your pet dog, then most people would find it hard to bare. In the same way, some people find it hard to use what seems like a brutal method of euthenasia on their fish. It really is weighing up what is best for the fish and what simply makes the owner feel better about themselves. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking what is easier for you to handle, is also the best thing for the fish.

Kind rergards

Jimi

 

[Assaye]

If you use the decapitation/blow to the head method, you need to make sure the brain is the first thing you destroy. Using a knife through the head or a pin into the brain (and you'd need to give it a wiggle to "mush" it up and destroy the brain) is probably best.

I'd be wary of just decapitation. I'm sure I've read a study that says the brain can still be active for a little while afterwards.

 

[loraxchick]

If you use the decapitation/blow to the head method, you need to make sure the brain is the first thing you destroy. Using a knife through the head or a pin into the brain (and you'd need to give it a wiggle to "mush" it up and destroy the brain) is probably best.

I'd be wary of just decapitation. I'm sure I've read a study that says the brain can still be active for a little while afterwards.

while this may be true, there would be not pain associeated with it as the nerves would be severed and the pain "message" wouldnt get through to the brain. it is by FAR the kindest and fastest method (although not the most sightly if squeamish). im a bit hesitant about the clove oil method. it "numbs" the fish and causes paralysis which could give the appearance of dead, when in fact the fish is still suffering and would die of asphyxiation. just my thought. but as someone mentioned, it really is up to what the owner is comfortable with. NEVER flush your fish(dead or alive) always dispose of it or bury it.
cheers

 

[drobbyb]

There are some very good points to this rather loaded argument. There is a much easier way out though, but it's expensive. You can take the poor fish to the vet, and have them put it to sleep. No pain, and you don't have to do it, but it will cost you about $80 for the procedure.

So, just how far are you willing to go? For me, I use blunt force trauma to the head since it is guaranteed to work, costs significantly less, and is sudden and humane.

The whole pin through the brain is intriguing and I hadn't thought of that before. I would be worried that I would miss and have it suffer a painful injury.

 

[Thecloud]

Fish inside a thick plastic bad, hit with a rolling pin several times. no suffering aside from being dragged out of the tank and into a plastic bag. instantly. For those squimish just throw it away and dont look inside the bag, if ure not sure if its dead, you didnt hit it enough times hard enough.

Edit, this should ONLY be for fish you know 100% is in the middle of dying a slow painful death, not because you want to get rid of one fish to buy another type!

 

[GAB99]

since clove oil causes the fish to go to sleep then woudnt it be easier to use the clove oil then a pin through the eyes to finsh it?

the only thing it will suffer is some stinging burning but if used in higher quantity then it will go faster.



yeah dont try to freeze/boil it, before tff i scalded a fish, it about 2 minutes and i have never forgiven myself.

 

[hamfist]

since clove oil causes the fish to go to sleep then woudnt it be easier to use the clove oil then a pin through the eyes to finsh it?

A pin through the eyes is actually a bit too far forward than the brain in many fish.

Personally, when I euthanase fish its a swift decapitation with a sharp knife.

Lets remember that they are just fish, not humans (yes,deliberately controvertial statement !).

 

[GAB99]

ok, then, pin right through the top right of the fishe's eyes or right behind.

 

[ajs2294]

If you think about it, the brain tissue is what interprets the nerve impulses as pain. If there is no intact brain tissue, then there is no pain.

I don't want to sound like a know it all but pain can actually be interpreted in the spinal cord via afferent/efferent neurons and a reflex arc. Not sure how effective or what you'd feel if your brain was squished, but pain is possible but highly unlikely.

Also I haven't tried this but since electrocution is a common way of slaughtering cattle and other forms of livestock, how would a D battery in a small volume of water work? The fish wouldn't even have to be out of water, and electricity would stun the fish instantly?

 

[Truck]

A D battery in water would short it out.

 

[ajs2294]

A D battery in water would short it out.

Sorry meant the square 9v batteries they don't short in water do they?