Decisions about when to euthanise or emergency-slaughter cattle require careful welfare assessment. Delays in appropriate action cause avoidable suffering that constitutes a welfare failure.
The decision to euthanise a cattle animal that cannot recover represents a core welfare responsibility that must be made based on the animal's welfare state rather than economic considerations alone. Delay in appropriate euthanasia of suffering animals is a welfare failure that continues suffering beyond any reasonable limit. Stockpersons must be trained to identify when an animal's condition crosses the threshold for emergency euthanasia and empowered to act or call for appropriate assistance without experiencing economic disincentives for doing so. Farm welfare programmes increasingly include euthanasia decision-making training and clear protocols for when to call a vet or use on-farm euthanasia. The availability of trained personnel and appropriate equipment for on-farm euthanasia at all times is a basic welfare infrastructure requirement.