Humane Methods for Killing Pythons
Burmese pythons are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law. There is an ethical and legal obligation to ensure a Burmese python is killed in a humane manner. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends a two-step process for humane killing of reptiles to prevent suffering and destroy the brain completely.
You will be disqualified from the competition if you are found to have inhumanely killed a python or if you have killed a native snake. Scout snakes found in Big Cypress WMA or adjacent lands should not be harmed or removed.
All participants must read the Rules and take the Required Online Training before they may Register for the event.
Two-step Method and Tools
Many tools are available to kill pythons. Regardless of the tools you use, you must ensure both steps are completed to humanely kill the python:
Step 1: The application of your tool should immediately result in the python losing consciousness.
Step 2: Destroy the python’s brain by manually “pithing” which prevents the python from regaining consciousness.
For more information visit the 2020 AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals.
Examples: Captive bolt stunners, pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns*
When mechanical tools are applied correctly:
- They deliver an appropriate and uniform amount of force to the target area
- The loss of consciousness is more consistent
- They reduce risk of ineffective stunning
- They are recommended over manual tools by the AVMA (when possible)
*During this event the use of firearms is prohibited in all Competition Locations. Air guns may only be used during daylight hours. Read the Rules for more details.
Examples: Handheld hardware tools, hunting knives
When manual tools are applied correctly, they can be part of a humane killing method, however:
- They may not deliver an appropriate and uniform amount of force to the target area
- The loss of consciousness is less consistent than with mechanical tools
- They pose increased risk for ineffective stunning
- They may require multiple applications to the target area to complete Step 1
- They should be applied only by persons with sufficient training
- Manual tools are not sufficient as the sole approach for a humane kill
- The AVMA recommends alternate approaches be considered first
Per the AVMA, decapitation should only be performed as part of a 3-step humane kill (loss of consciousness, followed by decapitation and manual pithing). Alternate methods for humane killing should be considered instead.
Step 1: Immediate loss of consciousness
Considerations for efficacy and safety:
- Anatomical placement of the tool
- Muzzle energy (destructive potential)
- Experience and skill of the person
The AVMA requires a combined gun* and ammunition muzzle energy of 300 foot-pounds (FPE) to humanely kill animals weighing up to 400lbs. Other tools may be sufficient to achieve Step 1.
*During this event the use of firearms is prohibited in all Competition Locations. Air guns may only be used during daylight hours. Read the Rules for more detail.
Step 2: Destroy the brain
Regardless of the method you choose for Step 1, you should complete the following process for Step 2:
- After rendering the python unconscious, ensure the python's brain is destroyed by manually “pithing”.
- Insert a small rod (a rigid metal tool like a screwdriver, spike or pick) into the cranial cavity using deliberate, multi-directional movement, ensuring destruction of the entire brain.
For more information visit the 2020 AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals.