Humane Endpoints and Euthanasia

A summary of statutory and regulatory provisions addressing the euthanasia of companion animals.

This 2013 report provides recommendations to give veterinarians guidance in relieving pain and suffering of animals that are to be euthanatized. (NOTE: This documents updates the previous guidelines published in 2007).

This issue of the ILAR Journal (V41(2), 2000) presents articles discussing the use of humane endpoints in research using animals.

A website with information on humane endpoints and related aspects in rodent experiments.

In February 2006 a meeting was held at the University of Newcastle in the United Kingdom to bring together scientists who have examined CO2 as a euthanasia agent.

The proceedings of two international conferences that address issues relating to the recognition and assessment of adverse effects in animals, and the determination, validation and acceptance of humane endpoints.

From a CAAT, NIH, NAS conference held in November 1998. Topics include philosophy, assessment, alleviation, and policies for the regulation of pain.

These guidelines define endpoints and discuss the joint responsibility of animal care committees with the investigator and the veterinary staff to ensure that the earliest endpoints consistent with producing reliable data are considered, identified and used.

Position statements covering recommendations on antimicrobial use, euthanasia, abuse, pain, and other important animal welfare concerns.

This document states that selection of appropriate endpoints requires careful consideration of the study's scientific requirements, possible pain, distress or illness the research animals may experience, the most likely time course and progression of those adverse effects, and the earliest most predictive indicators of present or impending adverse effects.