Electroencephalographic studies on the nape shooting of sheep

Abstract

The implications of shooting animals in the area of the occipito-atlantal junction was evaluated in three sheep by recording changes in the EEG activity. In one sheep, a shot which entered the occipito-atlantal junction and fractured the first cervical vertebra failed to produce insensibility. In contrast, a shot in another sheep which struck the occipital condyles of the skull resulted in loss of cortical evoked responses, the presence of high amplitude low frequency activity and ultimately all loss of brain activity. These results provide evidence that shooting through the vertebral column does not necessarily transmit sufficient percussive forces to higher brain regions to produce immediate insensibility. This has important implications for the humane destruction of animals, particularly, as in the case of cetaceans, where the occipito-atlantal junction or a high neck position is a recommended target area.

2000 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia

“…120 A gunshot to the heart or neck does not immediately render animals unconscious and thus is not considered to meet the panel' s definition of euthanasia. 121 Advantages-(1) Loss of consciousness is instantaneous if the projectile destroys most of the brain. 2Given the need to minimize stress induced by handling and human contact, gunshot may at times be the most practical and logical method of euthanasia of wild or free-ranging species.…”

Hammers, Axes, Bulls, and Blood: Some Practical Aspects of Roman Animal Sacrifice

“…2.10). In Greek art, the two 41 On the use of the nape stab to slaughter animals, see MacLachlan 2008: 115;MacNaghten 1932: 32-4;Blackmore et al 1995;and Gregory 1989/90: 77. 42 Today, this technique will also be familiar to anyone who has attended a bullght.…”

“… 41 On the use of the nape stab to slaughter animals, see MacLachlan 2008: 115; MacNaghten 1932: 32–4; Blackmore et al 1995; and Gregory 1989/90: 77.…”