Scientific opinion concerning the killing of rabbits for purposes other than slaughter

Abstract

Rabbits of different ages may have to be killed on-farm for purposes other than slaughter (where slaughter is defined as killing for human consumption) either individually or on a large scale (e.g. for production reasons or for disease control). The purpose of this opinion was to assess the risks associated to the on-farm killing of rabbits. The processes during on-farm killing that were assessed included handling, stunning and/or killing methods (including restraint). The latter were grouped into four categories: electrical methods, mechanical methods, controlled atmosphere method and lethal injection. In total, 14 hazards were identified and characterised, most of these related to stunning and/or killing. The staff was identified as the origin for all hazards, either due to lack of the appropriate skill sets needed to perform tasks or due to fatigue. Possible corrective and preventive measures were assessed: measures to correct hazards were identified for five hazards and the staff was shown to have a crucial role in prevention. Five welfare consequences of the welfare hazards to which rabbits can be exposed to during on-farm killing were identified: not being dead, consciousness, pain, fear and distress. Welfare consequences and relevant animal-based measures were described. Outcome tables linking hazards, welfare consequences, animal-based measures, origins, preventive and corrective measures were developed for each process. Mitigation measures to minimise welfare consequences are proposed.

Developed meloxicam loaded microparticles for colon targeted delivery: Statistical optimization, physicochemical characterization, and in-vivo toxicity study

“…The rabbits were subsequently sacrificed under anesthesia by decapitation using a pair of shear/scissor blades, cut between the base of the head and the top of the neck in one swift, smooth motion. The key organs were removed, weighed, and kept separately in 10% formalin solution for histopathological studies [ 33 , 51 , 52 ].…”

Animal Welfare Assessment Protocol for Does, Bucks, and Kit Rabbits Reared for Production

“…Neck dislocation was the system used by 93% of the farmers for does and bucks in the present study. According to the recommendations of EFSA (34), cervical dislocation is considered a killing method and therefore it should only be applied on unconscious animals. In addition, the hazards related to cervical dislocation include "manual restraint" (leading to pain and fear) and "incorrect application" [leading to the absence of unconsciousness, pain, fear, and distress; (34)].…”