The method used for euthanasing birds must be quick, painless, and involve minimal stress. It should also be safe for the operator and simple to use and maintain. Birds must be destroyed within 24 hours of capture. Gloves should always be worn when handling live and dead birds.
The Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning advises that once captured, the recommended method for the humane euthanasia of Indian Mynas is the injection of barbiturates by a veterinarian. Another method supported by the Victorian Government is cervical dislocation, when undertaken by a person who is trained and competent. Any euthanised birds must be disposed of appropriately, according to local regulations for waste disposal.
There has been research into euthanasia by carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, however the Victorian Government and National Office of the RSPCA want further investigations before they can be considered humane methods of euthanasia.
We require that trappers purchasing traps from YIMAG and our suppliers complete an Animal Welfare Protocol.
Cervical dislocation
Cervical dislocation is the recommended method for disposal of small birds by the Victorian government. This involves separation of the skull and the brain from the spinal cord by pressure applied posterior to the base of the skull. The brain stem – which controls respiration and heart activity – is consequently damaged, stopping breathing and reducing blood flow to the brain, leading to death.
This technique requires skill to ensure that loss of consciousness is induced rapidly.
Euthanasia assistance
Some veterinarians may be willing to assist in the human euthanasia of captured birds. The following support is available from veterinary service providers in assisting in the humane euthanasia of captured Indian Myna birds. Please contact the practice/clinic closest to you.
Eltham Veterinary Practice
Corner Main Road and Mt Pleasant Road
Eltham Victoria 3095
Ph. 03 94398650
Carbon monoxide & Carbon dioxide
In Victoria the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and the RSPCA do not currently support euthanasia using carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. However these methods are supported in other states and territories including Canberra. It is best to check in our local area what methods of euthanasia are supported.
Animal welfare
In Victoria, trapping and disposal of mynas must be in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2008.
Trappers must comply with relevant State and Federal legislation on health, safety and animal welfare.
Trapped birds are likely to suffer from distress when confined and they can sometimes be injured while trying to escape from the trap or during capture or restraint prior to euthanasia.
Trapped birds must only be killed by humane methods with minimal delay, i.e. within 24 hours of capture.
Traps must have sufficient height, length, and breadth to permit the bird to stretch its wings freely.
When the trap is in use, it must be inspected on a regular basis, preferably daily. At each inspection any birds caught in the trap must be removed from it and killed quickly and humanely. Regular inspections will help to prevent captured birds from being harmed by other captured birds or by predators outside of the trap (e.g. corvids, currawongs).
When the cage traps are left in the open but not in use, they must be rendered incapable of holding or catching birds (e.g. door secured in open position). Food should be removed when the trap is not in use.
Adequate shade is essential for the humane operation of the trap. Shade material (e.g. shadecloth, tarpaulin, plywood etc.) can be incorporated into the trap during construction or added during trap setup. Waterproof material will also provide protection during extremes of weather.
Where possible, trapping should be avoided in adverse weather conditions.
Disposal
Once destroyed, the birds bodies may be wrapped well in plastic or paper and put in the rubbish bin or buried