Article in Dog World

[LMH]

RSPCA explains bolt gun deaths of ten GSDs

10 Sep 2009 08:03

THE RSPCA has defended its decision to put down ten German Shepherds using a captive bolt gun.

The dogs had belonged to a man who had died weeks previously and had become feral, the charity said.

It also said the animals were suffering severe skin conditions.

A spokesman said a relative of the deceased man, whose property was in Pontardawe, South Wales, had phoned the charity saying the dogs were living on their own.

The spokesman said the dogs were assessed by RSPCA inspectors who had concluded they could not be rehomed due to 'aggressive behaviour and lack of socialisation.'

"We explained to the next-of-kin that they should contact other rescue groups for help," he said.

"The next-of-kin were made fully aware that if the RSPCA became involved that the dogs would be euthanased."

The relative subsequently told the charity that other rescue groups were unwilling to take on the dogs and signed them over to the RSPCA.

Decision

"A decision was made following a discussion between eight RSPCA officers that the most humane form of euthanasia would be to use a captive bolt," the spokesman said.

"This would minimise distress to the dogs while also being the safest method for those people responsible for dealing with the animals.

"Restraining the dogs and then shaving a limb to prepare for a lethal injection would have caused these animals unnecessary suffering due to the animals suffering from a severe skin condition.

"It is the RSPCA's raison d'àtre to prevent cruelty to animals, and it was decided this sad, but ultimately necessary, outcome for the dogs was the best way to prevent the animals any further suffering.

"The decision was not made lightly and, as always, it was made with the best interests of the animal at heart."

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I don't have a problem with the dogs being killed but not in this way - a bolt gun?

Lisa

 

[emmerson2]

Lisa, surely, if used correctly, a bolt-gun is instant, stress-free death?

 

[LMH]

Hi emmerson

Hope you are ok.

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'Restraining the dogs and then shaving a limb to prepare for a lethal injection would have caused these animals unnecessary suffering due to the animals suffering from a severe skin condition'

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Working on assumptions, (which I don't like to do), it sounds to me like the dogs were in an enclosed environment, possibly singly (doubtful) or all together as a pack.

I just have visions of one dog at a time being shot and if other dogs were in close proximity, then that alone would cause the dog's stress.

I would like further information on the skin condition they were suffering from, as a guess, I would say it was a contageous skin condition such as Sarcoptic Mange.

I was with my friend when she had her horse shot by this method. It was in a stress free environment, held by its owner (not really allowed to do that due to h&s). We walked away when the knacker man had to get the winch out. But that is the cheaper and accepted method for horses. However, to use this method on dogs, I think, is

1. a cost saving exercise and

2. draconian

Lisaxxxx

 

[Auvergne]

I guess the RSPCA have to do risk assessments when dealing with situations like this, I don't know? They may have assessed the risk to the RSPCA members and on balance decided to take the action they did. I don't think there's enough info given here to make an informed decision on the rights and wrongs of the case - how does one define "feral" for example?

In essence I think we have to have faith and trust in the RSPCA that they took the correct action and acted in the best interests of the dogs concerned. Thats what they are paid for and must be animal lovers to do such a job.

 

[602]

Hi,

When it was time, my 14 year old GSD ***** told me that today she would rather stay in bed. I took her to the vet, and said I didn't want her to go throught the leg shaving procedure, it would just embarress the old girl. I asked for her to be sedated, never mind the extra cost. Needle went in and out, and I don't think she even noticed it. I sat beside her until she was "out", then cuddled her until the "lethal" jab did its job. Funny, I don't think they added anything to the bill.

I suggested that my Shire mare could be put down with a "lethal"

injection. He declined, saying that it would be dangerous having a big animal wobbling around in my garage. He used a .38 Quick, but distressing for a couple of seconds as the nervous system winds down. Two suggestions - when its over, go somewhere private and have a really loud bawl. And ask the knacker to tie his rope round the hind feet. That way her head doesn't get caught up on the trucks bodywork. OK, she can't feel it, but it somehow lacks dignity.

My vet told me he once had to deal with a billy goat that had turned nasty. The elderly couple who owned it could not catch it. Eventually they enticed its head through a hole in a fence with a bowl of food, and he shot it. Everyone went indoors for a cup of tea. Twenty minutes later they saw the goat, completely unpeterbed, tucking into the rest of his meal. The vet had to go through it all again, but this time he shot it from behind. The first .38 slug was stuck in his skull.

All very distressing, and I know putting any animal down upsets my vet.

602