Schedule 1 methods (from the UK Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act
Schedule 1 lists methods for humanely killing animals, and approved means of confirming that they are dead. After killing an animal using a method listed in Schedule 1, it is a legal requirement that death is confirmed using one of these approved methods.
| Table A | ||
|---|---|---|
| Methods for animals other than foetal, larval and embryonic forms | Animals for which appropriate | |
| 1 | Overdose of an anaesthetic using a route and an anaesthetic agent appropriate for the size and species of animal | All animals |
| 2 | Exposure to carbon dioxide gas in a rising concentration | Birds and Rodents up to 1.5kg (but not neonatal rodents) |
| 3 | Dislocation of the neck (with the prior use of a sedative or anaesthetic in the case of rodents and rabbits over 150g and birds over 250g) | Rodents up to 500g Rabbits up to 1kg Birds up to 1kg |
| 4 | Concussion of the brain by striking the cranium | Rodents and Rabbits up to 1kg Birds up to 250g Amphibians and reptiles (with destruction of the brain before the return of consciousness) up to 1kg Fishes (with destruction of the brain before the return of consciousness) |
| 5 | One of the recognised methods of slaughter set out below which is appropriate to the animal and is performed by a registered veterinary surgeon, or, in the case of the methods described in paragraph (ii) below, performed by the holder of a current licence granted under the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 (a) i) Destruction of the brain by free bullet using appropriate rifles, guns and ammunition, or ii) captive bolt or electrical stunning followed by destruction of the brain or exsanguination before return of consciousness | Ungulates |
| Table B | ||
|---|---|---|
| Methods for foetal, larval and embryonic forms | Animals for which appropriate | |
| 1 | Overdose of an anaesthetic using a route and anaesthetic agent appropriate for the size, stage of development and species of animal | All animals |
| 2 | Refrigeration, or disruption of membranes, or maceration in apparatus approved under appropriate slaughter legislation, or exposure to carbon dioxide in near 100% concentration until they are dead | Birds and Reptiles |
| 3 | Cooling of foetuses followed by immersion in cold tissue fixative | Mice, Rats and Rabbits |
| 4 | Decapitation | Mammals and Birds up to 50g |
After carrying out one of the methods of humane killing listed above, death MUST BE CONFIRMED by using one of the following techniques:
- confirmation of permanent cessation of the circulation.
- destruction of the brain.
- dislocation of the neck.
- exsanguination.
- confirming the onset of rigor mortis.
- instantaneous destruction of the body in a macerator.
Animals are not always killed using one of the methods listed above. Other methods can be specified on a Project licence when these are necessary for scientific reasons, but in order to carry out one of these methods, a Personal Licence is required.
The Establishment licence may also include specific methods of killing certain species if it has been justified that the method is at least as humane as the Schedule 1 methods for that age and species of animal. If a method is specified on the Establishment licence, then it can be undertaken without requiring a Personal licence or Project licence authority.
If an animal needs to be killed immediately because of concerns as to its welfare, this can be carried out by anyone, even if they have not yet completed their training or been added to the register of those trained to humanely kill animals. However, it is also a requirement that Establishments always have someone available to kill an animal humanely, at all times, so emergency euthanasia by an untrained person should be a very rare event.