Validation of a poll shot captive bolt as a single step method of euthanasia of cattle

Abstract

Euthanasia should occur with minimal pain and distress for the animal and the person administering the procedure. The AVMA Guidelines for Euthanasia lists a frontal shot as the recommended anatomical location for both penetrating cap­tive bolt and gunshot euthanasia. However, in many situations access to the frontal site is not possible or may cause exces­sive distress to the animal. The objective of this study was to validate the effectiveness of a penetrating captive bolt when positioned behind the poll as a single step method for humane euthanasia of cattle.