Dairy Caretaker Perspectives on Performing Euthanasia as an Essential Component of Their Job

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to identify caretakers’ perceptions and stressors related to performing on-farm euthanasia as well as potential ideas for intervention strategies to alleviate negative effects of performing euthanasia on caretaker well-being. Additionally, we aimed to determine how euthanasia methods, procedures, and training correlate with dairy caretakers’ attitudes toward performing on-farm euthanasia and their job satisfaction and sense of well-being. Thirty-eight dairy caretakers (19 workers, 15 supervisors, 3 owners, 1 veterinarian) participated in focus groups or interviews conducted and recorded on five Northern Colorado dairies. Thematic analysis of focus group and interview transcripts revealed seven recurring themes. Variation in available training and euthanasia protocols among dairy farms was evident. There was a lack of awareness regarding available mental health resources and little communication between farm personnel about euthanasia-related stress. Training was correlated with caretaker knowledge about euthanasia procedures and the language used to refer to euthanasia. Human-animal bonds and empathy toward animals were evident in participants regardless of training, job position, or dairy experience. Interventions such as training programs, mental health resources, and other support systems should be tested for effectiveness in addressing euthanasia-related stressors, improving euthanasia decision-making and practice, and increasing animal wellbeing on dairy farms.

Preliminary Exploration of Weekly Peer Group Discussions as a Strategy for Coping with Feelings Associated with Euthanasia in Dairy Caretakers

“…Animal caretakers on dairy operations experience a variety of stressors due to factors inherent to dairy production, daily job tasks, and work organization. Animal handling and machinery hazards, heavy workloads and long work shifts in variable and sometimes extreme environmental conditions have been reported by dairy workers as sources of stress [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. In 2014, dairy cattle production accounted for almost half of all fatal occupational injuries in animal agriculture and aquaculture and over two-thirds of all cattle and ranching occupational fatal injuries [ 5 ].…”

“…Foreign-born workers have historically suffered a greater burden of occupational injuries than their native counterparts [ 6 ]. Despite the high number of occupational dairy worker injuries, previous work has highlighted their limited awareness of occupational risks [ 3 , 7 ], available medical and mental health resources [ 4 , 7 ], and their perception that work injuries are not preventable [ 3 , 7 ]. This environment, coupled with language barriers and lack of health insurance [ 8 ], plus inconsistent and limited training programs [ 2 , 3 , 4 ], makes these dairy workers a vulnerable population.…”

“…Despite the high number of occupational dairy worker injuries, previous work has highlighted their limited awareness of occupational risks [ 3 , 7 ], available medical and mental health resources [ 4 , 7 ], and their perception that work injuries are not preventable [ 3 , 7 ]. This environment, coupled with language barriers and lack of health insurance [ 8 ], plus inconsistent and limited training programs [ 2 , 3 , 4 ], makes these dairy workers a vulnerable population. Furthermore, psychosocial factors such as relationships with management and the quality of communication with management have been identified as predictors of perceived job stress for dairy workers [ 7 ].…”

“…Despite understanding that euthanasia may be the most humane choice for an animal, electing to and performing euthanasia can cause animal caretakers to experience “moral stress” [ 9 ], as they work daily to keep animals alive and well yet are also faced with making euthanasia decisions. Although caretakers recognize the important role of euthanasia in managing animal welfare, euthanasia decision making continues to be identified by caretakers across animal industries as a source of emotional stress, causing feelings of failure [ 10 ], frustration [ 4 ], sadness [ 11 , 12 ], and anger [ 12 , 13 ], among other similar sentiments.…”

“…Although there are many factors impacting end-of-life decisions on dairies, the feelings that caretakers have for cows and calves have been identified as significant contributors to how decisions are made [ 15 ]. Regardless of the type of animal industry, making objective end-of-life decisions can be a challenge for caretakers and owners who have a strong emotional investment and responsibility to help the animals under their care [ 4 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”