Reptile & Amphibian Forums

In response to the thread down below where euthanizing the kingsnake was suggested, I asked the question on the General Forum as to what is the humane way to euthanize a snake. Here is Kelly Haller's response:

"I believe the most humane process to euthanize any snake is by freezing. However, it must be done properly in order to minimize trauma to the animal. That said, snakes should only be frozen after they have been subjected to temperatures in the 35 to 40 F range for about 24 hours in order to induce extreme reduction in their metabolic processes and inducement of a virtually unconscious state. Only then should they be subjected to freezing temperatures. The other previous processes mentioned are valid options, but not in the realm of most people to have the knowledge or resources to perform."

The "other previous processes" were 1)cooling then bleeding out and 2)the use of a veterinerary drug that the common herper does not have access to.

I wish it never happened but the reality is that many snakes are frozen each year from judgement calls by keepers. I hope at least we follow the above advice to make it as humane as possible.

I use a paintball co2 tank and a small sterilite container. The tank and valve can be a little costly.

I hate to euthanize any animal, but sometimes it is just the lesser of two "evils" if it means the animal has no chance of a decent life without suffering. When I do have to euthanize, I put them in a small refrigerator to cool them down in a more gradual process. This lowers their metabolic rate to the point that their body's are slowed substantially. After that step, I put them in a freezer where they further slow down and simply stop all body function. I don't believe this causes any pain, or else they would not be positioned in a natural looking coil when you pull them out afterwards. If it did cause pain, they would generally be all twisted and in positions that would indicate discomfort and/or pain. This only makes sense to me.

There are many different ways to do it though, and a quick decapitation would work fine too, but freezing is the method I use most often.

~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

serpentinespecialties.webs.com

>>I don't believe this causes any pain, or else they would not be positioned in a natural looking coil when you pull them out afterwards. If it did cause pain, they would generally be all twisted and in positions that would indicate discomfort and/or pain. This only makes sense to me.
>>

I agree.

As I said on the main forum.

It is considered humane to euthanize small snakes and lizards via freezing according to American Humane Association standards.

I can try to dig out my book and lists of requirements on this for you if you really want me to. I am a certified euthanasia tech and took the course work required.

Exsanguination and via injection of sodium pentobaribitol (often referred to as fatal plus in the rescue world) are also both acceptable. I do want to add that it is much easier for someone who understands a reptiles metabolism to do the injection properly.
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Cindy Steinle
PHFaust
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