Developing SOPs for humane euthanasia of cats and foxes under field conditions

Summary

Currently, land managers can only humanely euthanise trapped feral cats and foxes by shooting them or using barbiturates (a type of drug).

New methods are needed because many land managers can’t use these methods due to restrictions, making it hard to manage feral cat and fox populations.

This project aims to develop new humane euthanasia methods, which will help more land managers trap and control these animals, especially in areas where guns and barbiturates are not allowed, or practical, like mining sites.

Developing these new euthanasia methods will help individuals, Landcare, biosecurity and natural resource management (NRM) groups, councils, and industries control feral cats and foxes using cage traps.

The project will take place in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, managed by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions. Field trials will be conducted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Vertebrate Pest Unit in Orange. Animal Control Technologies in Victoria will handle the application to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).