Use of captive bolt as a method of euthanasia in larger laboratory animal species

The penetrative captive bolt pistol was tested on dogs (Canis familiaris) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cunniculi) to assess if it is a humane method of euthanasia to use when a physical method is required. The bolt was placed directly on the skull at the intersection of lines drawn from the lateral canthus of each eye to the opposite ear, and fired. In all cases, consciousness appeared to be lost immediately as evidenced by motoric collapse of the animal and loss of the corneal reflex. The only movement noted appeared to be reflex in nature. In order to determine the time of onset of brain death, the auditory evoked potential (AEP) and electroencephalogram (EEG) were measured in dogs. Within 15 seconds after firing the pistol, organized AEP activity could not be detected above the medulla and EEG activity became isoelectric. These findings suggest that cerebral death occurred almost immediately and, therefore, the captive bolt pistol is a humane method of euthanasia.