Killing methods

Killing methods for fur-bearing animals

The most common killing method for mink involves using carbon dioxide, while electricity is most common for chinchillas. These methods cause no external damage to the body, which is important in order to achieve a good fur. However, there are a number of approved killing methods for fur-bearing animals that may be of relevance in different situations. It is important to be aware of these in case problems occur with the regular killing equipment. As regards young animals, killing with carbon dioxide is age-regulated, which may require the use of another method. Another method may also be more appropriate. Animals which have escaped from the farm or are injured or cannot be captured may need to be killed using a long-distance method.

Approved killing methods for mink:

• Killing with carbon dioxide
• Killing by means of a blow to the head
• Killing by means of a shot to the head
• Long-distance killing
• Killing using anaesthetics and other killing preparations
• Killing by means of exsanguination

See the Swedish Board of Agriculture’s regulations and guidelines (SJVFS 2012:27) on slaughter or killing of animals, ref. no. L22, below:

Chap. 9(2), L22
A check must be carried out after killing is complete, even in situations other than slaughter, to ensure that the animal is dead before implementing other measures involving the body. Checks of this kind must be carried out visually on all animals. If there is any cause to suspect that the animal is not dead, killing must promptly begin again.

General guidelines on Chap. 9(2)
When possible or appropriate, the death of animals killed by means of cervical dislocation, a blow to the head or carbon dioxide must be assured by means of exsanguination, decapitation or another appropriate method.
However, vets are entitled to anaesthetised animals and hence exsanguination can be used as a killing method if there is a vet on site.

The situation of the animals at the time of killing

Fur-bearing animals remain in their home environment until the time of killing. As a result, the animals are not transported and they do not undergo any change of environment. This is also a very quick process. Although killing in the event of pelting involves no changes in connection with or because of transportation and a change of environment for the animals, the increase in activity on the farm may affect them as specified in the introductory text. Hence it is important to bear this in mind during the pelting period.

The following may be ways of reducing the effects of the increase in activity:

• Remember to move calmly
• Keep noise levels low
• Think about how you move around on the farm
• Separate the individuals to be pelted from the ones to be saved for breeding

Incidents such as running back to the break room because you forgot something may not be all that significant usually, but this may cause greater disruption for the animals when there is more activity than normal. The same is true of shouting for someone or having a loud conversation: maybe this could wait until later, or you could quite simply just walk across to the person you want to talk to. If there are places where people pass by frequently, it is a good idea to pelt these animals first. It is better to walk around an accommodation building or a row of cages instead of passing through it. If many people pass the same point, this may worry the animals. Separating the individuals to be pelted and the individuals not to be pelted avoids unnecessary stress for the individuals that will be remaining on the farm. Remember that the individuals that will be saved for breeding will be affected throughout the whole pelting period. Therefore, it may be a good idea to place these individuals in a separate part of the farm.