ABSTRACT
Euthanasia is the process of “ending the life of an individual animal in a way that minimizes or eliminates pain and distress” (Leary et al. 2013). Electing euthanasia can be among the most difficult decisions anyone with responsibility for an animal’s welfare can face. Although not exclusively a veterinary responsibility, the principles of the veterinarian’s oath come into play, in particular the “relief of animal suffering” (American Veterinary Medical Association [AVMA] 2017) when cure or rescue is not possible. As applied to marine mammals, and particularly for large cetaceans, euthanasia is also a technically challenging and potentially hazardous undertaking. Veterinarians, marine mammal biologists, stranding network responders, keepers, and curators may be faced with the decision of whether or not to euthanize a marine mammal as a humane act to end its suffering. In reaching a decision to euthanize, one must determine that the animal is suffering with negligible chance of recovery or successful rescue; that euthanasia can be carried out safely for personnel; that the necessary equipment, materials, and technical skills are available to complete euthanasia successfully; that scavengers and the environment will not be put at risk as a result; and that caretaker and public concerns have been taken into account and addressed to the fullest extent possible. This chapter reviews euthanasia methods in marine mammals, so that informed decisions on techniques can be made, after treatment, direct rescue, or rescue and rehabilitation have been ruled out as viable options. The unique challenges of cetacean euthanasia are given special attention. Also included is information on carcass disposal and avoidance of relay toxicity.
