I have to say, I agree with Paul Heatons comment, a vet is a far better option. Not only to curtail the guilt that I'd feel if I ever had to do this, but to make sure the job was done properly, swiftly and with as little suffering as possible. I can't imagine how i'd feel if I got it wrong, not to mention the poor victim.

Just seen this thread & have to add that I have formal training in animal husbandry and worked under a Vet for several years so knew exactly how to dispatch the bird instantly & painlessly. If in doubt of course take the animal to a vets but Craig is correct that if an animal is in terrible pain then if you can put it down instantly that is the kindest thing to do rather that let the poor thing suffer any longer. The Blackbird I 'helped' was stuck to the road wher the car had run over its back end sticking the bird to the tarmac with its own innards. Sorry to be so graphic, but in this instance rapid action was essential.

Rick Halls description of method is spot on, and again sorry for being graphic, and a very, very hard pull will mean the bird is put down instantly, as Rick says pulling much harder than is needed guarantees instant relief for the injured beyond help animal.

Strangely enough the point of my first post was not about putting things down if they are critically injured, it was saying please stop if possible if you hit an animal in your car, then you can decide what to do to help it if it hasn't been killed outright, and yes that could well be to take it to a Vets, not everyone is trained or confident in putting animals out of their misery. The whole point was not leaving it to die in agony.

-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 12th of June 2011 10:09:22 PM

Thanks Paul. Agree with the 'sentiment' around someone getting it wrong.

Craig you are correct in the fact the law makes allowances for a mercy killing ? however if it goes wrong, and it can, then the person carrying out the act, may find themselves in the grey area of the law.

In todays mega age of digital camera's evidence is presented each week,should someone be filmed getting it wrong, then the courts would view it in a different light.

Vets have always treated wildlife for free, yes, some may moan! But the best most humane method is a vet.

Each incident depends on its own merit, and location but here in Greater Manchester we have vets open 24 hours.

My main concern with this thread is that someone may try to dislocate a birds neck and get it wrong, it takes alot of training to get it right, and it is not something to try to do, when there is another option.

Anyway enough said take care and

Keep birding

Paul Heaton wrote:

---

Very dangerous area this, and some advice on this thread...if carried out wrong, could possible result in a prosecution, even if you meant well.

To be honest the best way is to put the injured bird/animal in a box and take it to the nearest vets, they will treat wildlife free of charge.

Take care?

---

Paul,

I've had experience of vets ...lets say pulling their face at this idea that they treat wildife free of charge. Is it 'law' that they must treat wildlife for free?

If I found something that was clearly in pain and had obviosly suffered a 'fatal injury' I would have no hesitation but to kill it. The law makes allowance for mercy killings and I'd be amazed if any 'judge' prosecuted anyone for tying to carry out an act of mercy.


-- Edited by Craig Higson on Sunday 5th of June 2011 05:41:34 PM

-- Edited by Craig Higson on Sunday 5th of June 2011 05:48:05 PM

Thanks Paul, very wise and professionally sound advise.

Very dangerous area this, and some advice on this thread...if carried out wrong, could possible result in a prosecution, even if you meant well.

To be honest the best way is to put the injured bird/animal in a box and take it to the nearest vets, they will treat wildlife free of charge.

Take care?

never had to do it, but the method for a bird i think isto hold it's head in one hand with the neck between index and middle finger, the body in the other hand with neck between index and middle fingers and a sharp pull apart and twist, pulling a little bit further than you think is possible. I think this is more humane than hitting it in the head, which is not a guaranteed method. Make sure you wash your hands afterwards... Out damned spot!

slightly O/T but I once came across a hare on the A5504 (Long Hill; Whaley Bridge to Buxton) which had been hit by a car.
It was clearly in great distress with an apparent broken back.
I didn't feel I could leave it in agony and found my wheelbrace to be most useful.
I'm guessing the local crow and fox enjoyed the resulting carrion.

Sad end to a noble beast but I couldn't look away and drive past.

Charles Coutts wrote:

---

What is the best way of doing it,If you make a mistake it would cause even worse suffering.
No gorey details please

-- Edited by Charles Coutts on Saturday 4th of June 2011 02:04:29 PM

---

Depends on the size of the bird, but a blow to the head is an 'effective' method.

What is the best way of doing it,If you make a mistake it would cause even worse suffering.
No gorey details please

-- Edited by Charles Coutts on Saturday 4th of June 2011 02:04:29 PM

i remember watching a programme where simon king had to kill an arctic tern (i think). It was sad, but the bird had a broken wing. They ar wild animals, and all they face if rescued is a life in captivity, which is no life at all. i would feel very sad about ending a life, but it's completely necessary. Anyway, if you dispatch a bird quickly and humanely, it saves it from being ripped apart whilst still alive by opportunist predators. And they can still profit from it's death, as long as they don't mind a bit of carrion.

Regarding Doc Brewsters report from Chat Moss this morning of seeing a car hit a Blackbird and he had to put the poor thing out of its misery.
I and many others have probably been in this situation,but for me I could not do it,I know they say its kind,But I could not kill anything.