Council Directive 93/119/ECShow full title

ANNEX F U.K. METHODS OF KILLING FUR ANIMALS

I. Permitted methods U.K.

1. Mechanically-operated instruments which penetrate the brain. U.K.

2. Injection of an overdose of a drug with anaesthetic properties. U.K.

3. Electrocution with cardiac arrest. U.K.

4. Exposure to carbon monoxide. U.K.

5. Exposure to chloroform. U.K.

6. Exposure to carbon dioxide. U.K.

The competent authority shall decide on the most appropriate method of killing for the different species concerned in compliance with the general provisions of Article 3 of this Directive.

II. Specific requirements U.K.

1. Mechanically-operated instruments which penetrate the brain U.K.

(a)

Instruments must be positioned so as to ensure that the projectile enters the cerebral cortex.

(b)

This method is permitted only if it is followed by immediate bleeding.

2. Injection of an overdose of a drug with anaesthetic properties U.K.

Only those anaesthetics, doses and applications which cause immediate loss of consciousness followed by death may be used.

3. Electrocution with cardiac arrest U.K.

Electrodes must be placed so that they span the brain and the heart and the minimum current level used must lead to immediate loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest. However, for foxes, where electrodes are applied to the mouth and rectum, a current of an average value of 0,3 amps must be applied for at least 3 seconds.

4. Exposure to carbon monoxide U.K.

(a)

The chamber in which the animals are exposed to the gas must be designed, constructed and maintained in such a way as to avoid injury to the animals and allow them to be supervised.

(b)

The animals must be introduced into the chamber only after it has been filled with a concentration of carbon monoxide of at least 1 % by volume, supplied by a source of 100 % carbon monoxide.

(c)

The gas produced by an engine specially adapted for that purpose may be used to kill mustelids and chinchillas provided that tests have shown that the gas used:

• has been suitably cooled,

• has been sufficiently filtered,

• is free from any irritant matter or gas,

• and that the animals cannot be placed in the chamber until the concentration of carbon monoxide has reached at least 1 % by volume.

(d)

When inhaled the gas must first induce deep general anaesthesia and must then cause certain death.

(e)

The animals must remain in the chamber until they are dead.

5. Exposure to chloroform U.K.

Exposure to chloroform may be used to kill chinchillas provided that:

(a)

the chamber in which the animals are exposed to the gas is designed, constructed and maintained in such a way as to avoid injury to the animals and allow them to be supervised;

(b)

the animals are introduced into the chamber only if it contains a saturated chloroform-air compound;

(c)

when inhaled, the gas first induces deep general anaesthesia and then causes certain death;

(d)

the animals remain in the chamber until they are dead.

6. Exposure to carbon dioxide U.K.

Carbon dioxide may be used to kill mustelids and chinchillas provided that:

(a)

the chamber in which the animals are exposed to the gas is designed, constructed and maintained in such a way as to avoid injury to the animals and allow them to be supervised;

(b)

the animals are introduced into the chamber only when the atmosphere contains the highest possible concentration of carbon dioxide supplied by a source of 100 % carbon dioxide;

(c)

when inhaled, the gas first induces deep general anaesthesia and then causes certain death;

(d)

the animals remain in the chamber until they are dead.