The humane killing of farm animals on-farm, when necessary due to injury or illness, requires appropriate methods, training, and welfare standards to avoid prolonged suffering during what should be a rapid and painless process.
A farm animal dying slowly from an untreated injury or disease suffers unnecessarily if humane killing is delayed. The decision to kill an animal that cannot recover must be made promptly, without waiting for market day or veterinary visit if suffering is acute. Incorrect killing methods cause prolonged suffering: penetrating captive bolt followed by immediate bleeding is effective for cattle; shooting with a firearm for other species. Inadequate training, reluctance, or cost concerns are not acceptable justifications for delayed euthanasia in suffering animals.