Inhumane Culling in British Columbia

[goatee]

http://www.vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/announcements_22Apr05.html

A Parliamentary committee has criticized the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for conducting an inhumane slaughter of poultry during the avian flu outbreak in BC in 2004. In a report released yesterday, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food questions the CFIA’s use of carbon dioxide gas to kill thousands of ducks during the outbreak. It cites scientific literature that clearly states the gas is unacceptable as a humane method of slaughter for waterfowl. The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) has welcomed the report, which it says confirms its allegations that the CFIA did not conduct a humane slaughter. The report also calls for an independent inquiry into the agency’s handling of the outbreak.

The report calls upon the CFIA to implement humane slaughter procedures in future, recommending that the agency:
“…must ensure that its euthanasia techniques are compatible with internationally recognized humane best practices, and that its personnel conduct euthanasia exercises to remain well trained for carrying out these techniques.”

VHS spokesperson Peter Fricker welcomed the committee’s findings. “The report confirms that the CFIA killed thousands of animals inhumanely. We’re pleased that the truth about the cull is coming out and that the CFIA is being told to learn more humane practices.”

[Scythe]

How is carbon dioxide inhumane? I'd expect they'd just get dizzy and sleepy until they pass out, and never wake up. Hell, I wouldn't mind dying like that.

[Exitof99]

I agree with Scythe, actually, they say the best way to off yourself is by using heilium, you become high and then you die.

I don't see anything wrong with carbon dioxide being used.

[Noelson]

I was curious so I looked it up - this is what I found as "humane" methods. It also lists the methods that are not recommended...
Site is about Culling Canaries:
http://www.aaawebmaster.com/canary/culling.htm

Recommended Methods
(AVMA Guidelines)

Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is recommended by most animal rights activist groups and used by human societies around the world. CO2 is inexpensive but you have to make or buy a Euthanasia Chamber and have a way to fill the chamber with the gas. Other advantages: The rapid depressant, analgesic, and anesthetic effects of CO2 are well established. Carbon dioxide is readily available and can be purchased in compressed gas cylinders. Carbon dioxide is inexpensive, nonflammable, nonexplosive, and poses minimal hazard to personnel when used with properly designed equipment. This gas causes very little distress to the birds. A CO2 concentration of 60% to 70% with a 5-minute exposure time appears to be optimal. This method is recommended provided that the gas comes from a pressurized cylinder and not a chemical reaction or internal combustion engine exhaust.
Carbon Monoxide
Same as carbon dioxide only much more dangerous for the user. This gas is colorless and odorless and builds up in your system binding to hemoglobin and replacing oxygen in your blood. You can poison yourself as well as the birds if you don't have a proper setup. Use only with the proper setup and then with extreme caution.
Inhalent Anesthetics
Highly effective providing you dose correctly. Recommendations — In order of preference, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, methoxyflurane, and desflurane, with or without nitrous oxide. I have not found any of these compounds for sale without regulations. They may be difficult to obtain and can be rather expensive.
Nitrogen or Argon
These two inert gasses are relatively safe to use (non toxic in low concentrations). Using either of these two gasses can be stressful to the birds unless the chamber is filled quickly and has less than 2% oxygen. Birds should be sedated first. Although N2 and Ar are effective, other methods of euthanasia are preferable.
Gunshot
Dangerous but effective. Should have a consistent technique.
Decapitation
Quick but messy.
Barbituates
Intravenous injection is necessary for best results and requires trained personnel.

In conclusion, the best way to euthanize is to use Carbon Dioxide and a chamber.

[goatee]

The problem is in the application. I guess it wasn't being done correctly so they would have to administer up to four doses of CO2. Some of the birds weren't dying in from the first three times. Not good.

The Lower Mainland (Vancouver area) has had two culls this week due to Avian Flu.

Quebec has passed a law now restricting free range poultry due to the Avian scare.

[goatee]

Not that I'm in favour of culls. I think it just shows how the whole meat industry is one big inhumane animal industry.