By Sooner or to come. More often than not Nature does the una deed! taking our acts from us votre we feel that they need really ge, but there are times when sncuraole ailments make it merciful to destroy an old favourite, greatly to our sorrow. How should the passing be made easy for our friend so that he will suffer no pain? The idea of a lethal chambe~ appeals to many, who are under th> impression that the poor dog just fails to sleep without any sensation or knowledge of what is being done. Yet this is one of the methods not r commended by a committee of veterinary surgeons who have been investigating the matter.
In 1933 a good deal of attention was until the drawn to the subject, and the National Veterinary Medical' Association appointed a committee, of which Mr. G. W. Dunkin, are.
DVH, was, chairman, to consider the vari means employed. For various reasons the report was delayed, but it has now been issued and may be had for 5s, from the Association at 36, Gordon Square, London, W.C.I I cannot do more than refer brief! to the findings of the committee. They dislike the use of prussic acid unless the dog is first made unconscious by an anaesthetic. Then a subcutaneou injection is painless. and effective. What agent should be used to induce unconsciousness? A decided preference is expressed for the nonvolatile rather than the volatile. such as chloroform. An intravenous injection of nembutal seems to be the most favoured, though it may also be administered in other ways, which are simpler and equally humane, but slower in action, Other agents which may be employed in a similar manner are avertin, evian sodium, or magnesium sulphate.
Many people consider that shooting: has its advantages, and the committee approve of what is known as the captive-bolt pistol as being rapid and humane, The disadvantage is that it causes profuse bleeding, which is Painful to the owner if he or she happens to be present. Apart from the initial outlay for the purchase of the instrument, it is cheap. Certain animal welfare bodies have installed electrical chambers, a method of destruction that is strongly commended by the committee, The dogs are placed in a cabinet, and on them is fitted a hi collar, and a metal hobble is fixed above the hock of the left leg. Once inside the cabinet these metal ñttings ensure that the electric current passes through the body from head to foot. Death is practically instantaneous. The use of electricity in another manner is also approved, the animal being stunned by what is known as the Euthanator, The committee was evidently actuated by humane motives, their view being that animals that have to be destroyed should receive the ame high standard of care and ion as they deserve, and gen-get, through life.
Nove—This chat is issued by the il-Waggers' Club, 58 Mark Lane, London, E.C.3. The Club will be pleased to answer any enquiries submitted by Tail-Wagger owners in connection with canine hygiene and welfare lin one
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.