Evaluation of captive bolts for the stunning of kangaroo young

During the commercial harvesting of kangaroos, it is a requirement of a national code of practice that the dependent young of shot females are humanely euthanased using an acceptable method to prevent suffering. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness and suitability of captive bolt devices for the euthanasia of kangaroo young during harvesting. Captive bolt devices are commonly used to slaughter animals and render them instantly unconscious without causing pain. The effectiveness of the CBDs will be determined using an electroencephalograph (EEG) to examine brain responses to stunning as well as observing behavioural responses and conducting post-mortem assessments. Recommendations from the study will be included in a standard operating procedure (SOP) for kangaroo harvesters and the results of the study will be presented in a workshop for industry and government regulators as well as a project final report.