Cane toads and other invasive amphibians are managed through culling programs that raise welfare questions. Understanding humane control approaches helps advocates push for better standards.
Invasive toad management involves killing large numbers of animals, raising welfare questions about the most humane methods. Freezing toads causes suffering through ice crystal formation in tissues before death — CO2 gassing followed by freezing is more humane but requires equipment. The ecological harm caused by cane toads to native Australian fauna means management is necessary, but the welfare of individual toads during that management still matters. Killing methods should minimize suffering. Public education about humane killing methods reduces the proportion of toads killed by cruel means.