Cane toads introduced to Australia in 1935 have spread across tropical regions killing native predators and creating complex ethical challenges for control efforts.
Cane toad management involves welfare dilemmas for the introduced animals being controlled and the native animals they threaten. Cane toads are sentient amphibians capable of suffering, yet their uncontrolled spread causes enormous welfare and conservation harm to native species. Humane euthanasia using cooling followed by freezing is considered more welfare-positive than alternative methods. The moral calculus involves weighing individual toad welfare against population-level harm to native species.