Handling and restraint for euthanasia

Some methods of euthanasia (e.g. use of overdose of an inhalational anaesthetic or use of carbon dioxide) can be carried out without handling the animal if all the animals in the cage are to be killed at the same time. This reduces to a minimum the stress associated with handling, but moving the cage from the animal room to the area in which the animals are to be killed must be done carefully, avoiding unnecessary disturbance to the animals. Whenever possible, euthanise the animals immediately after moving them.