Reptiles are commonly studied in biological research projects, and wildlife researchers may be required to euthanize
a reptile if it sustains a severe injury associated with the research. When conducting euthanasia of any animal it is
critical to confirm death. Whilst in mammals and birds euthanasia and confirmation of death can easily be accomplished,
in reptiles these are not straight forward processes due to reptilian poikilothermic biology and physiology. Many
traditional methods of reptile euthanasia are controversial, and recommended methods of acceptable euthanasia vary
amongst the different reptilian orders. Physical methods of euthanasia involving hypothermia or decapitation alone are
considered inhumane and are not acceptable methods of euthanasia. Injectable pentobarbitone sodium is considered
an acceptable method of euthanasia for all reptiles, except large crocodiles and other large reptile species where carcass
removal in the wild may be problematic. However, in Australia pentobarbitone sodium is a Scheduled 4 drug with
requirements for locked storage, and users other than registered veterinarians must apply for authorization to administer
scheduled drugs. Stunning followed by destruction of the brain is considered acceptable with reservations in some
small species of snakes and lizards, where these methods can be effectively accomplished. MS222 has been used in
several species of reptiles, however further research is required to determine whether this technique is effective and
humane across the diverse range of reptilian species. Humane euthanasia in reptiles is not easily achieved and, whilst
recognizing limitations in accessing veterinary anaesthetic and euthanasia drugs, it can best be assured by using a
two-stage euthanasia process — whereby the reptile is initially anaesthetized, and then euthanized by administration
of pentobarbitone sodium or alternatively a combination of decapitation and brain destruction following anaesthesia.