Feral pig euthanasia

[jpanhalt]

Nitrogen and argon are both great asphyxiants.  Neither causes a sensation of suffocation, but nitrogen is probably better.

I don't think we can use the word "better". Suffocation in an oxygen-deprived atmosphere is a significant cause of industrial accents. A worker enters an enclosed space like the interior of a tank and collapses unconscious without a word. A co-worker gets worried and follows after to rescue their colleague. Drops dead also.

I think it is entirely appropriate to use the word "better" as a description of various means of purposeful asphyxiation.  Arguably, death is always unpleasant.  No one knows.  But the sensation of suffocation from CO2 induced unconsciousness is much worse than unconsciousness caused by nitrogen.  There are experiments to show that.

[bdunham7]

but somehow being perfectly okay with guns seems weird to me. Guns aren't exactly safe.

This is the US.  Kinder Eggs are illegal but I can buy a Browning .50-cal rifle if I like--or even the machine gun if I get all the paperwork.  Feral hogs are a scourge and I've no problem with shooting them all.  Safely, of course.

[Marco]

Feral hogs are a scourge and I've no problem with shooting them all.  Safely, of course.

Apparently gunfire every day upsets the game animals though.

[Perdido]

Well, I want to thank everyone for their comments and I guess I should have asked what amount of dc battery current is required to produce 300vac at 5 amps and left out the part about the pigs.  My fault for being straightforward about what I’m trying to accomplish since I’m afraid it caused everything to go off the rails.  For those that don’t have to deal with hundreds if not thousands of wild hogs destroying agricultural crops and making fields so rough a tractor has a hard time driving across them, this probably does not make sense.  We have a large pit that the dead animals go in, skin sliced so the buzzards can access the meat and the other varmints can clean up the rest.  Since deer hunting is the main activity on our property, shooting pigs with a suppressed rifle causes a great deal of disturbance to the deer and other game animals and the6 all go nocturnal.  Pigs are relatively smart and become trap wary if even one escapes, so it’s very hard work trying to trap, hunt or otherwise find ways to get rid of them.  In the off season hunters come in with dogs and kill the pigs with knives, not a sport I have the balls for at 75.  All that said, is there a way to use 1, 2, 3 or so 12 v batteries to produce 300vac at 5 amps and how would you do it?  Again, I appreciate all of the help and suggestions and I apologize for too many details.
Thanks, Perdido

[Halcyon]

I do sympathise with you Perdido and I do think you came here with the best intentions. There are a lot of people who might read this topic and think "what the actual fuck", but the reality is, there are pests in all parts of the world and they are dealt with in various ways. People who grew up in the city, or haven't really been around wild animals or farms tend to have a "poor piggy" reaction. It can be a sensitive topic, but I do agree with Dave, perhaps this isn't the best place to find the answers you're looking for. You probably need a specialist.

[Perdido]

Thanks, and I really understand where I offered too much information.  I’ve tried vets, wildlife officials, game managers, etc. and they are as frustrated as I am regarding our wild pig problem.  My first thought was to discuss this with some of my local folks who work in the electrical field and that’s where I got the suggestion to come to an electronics forum.i Texas has a much worse problem than we do and the cattle forums are also looking for an answer and this forum popped up in a similar discussion.  I’m just looking for the nuts and bolts of how to get the power I need from a battery or batteries and I felt like a forum like this would have that expertise.
Thanks, Perdido

[CatalinaWOW]

To electrocute them you will have to capture them.  So why not do what slaughterhouses do, at large scale, which you will also have to do?  Run them into a squeeze chute.  Stun them.  A sledgehammer blow to the head is the traditional method, which I understand is now usually modified by a cartridge enhanced hammer which requires less operator skill.  And then slit their throats.

I will repeat what several here have said.  Electrocution won't work for you.  It isn't humane.  It requires significant equipment.  And unless you implement many things that will let a better method be used will expose you to a great deal of danger from a potentially lethal animal.

Again, killing large animals in quantity has been done for years.  Look to the people who do it for answers.

[themadhippy]

The answer was given sevral post back,an inverter .As for battery size 300v and 5A will require a minimum of 125A at  12v or 62.5A at 24v.

[Marco]

It isn't humane.

DIY equipment for this is silly, but they do make devices to first stun pigs across the head and then electrocute it across the heart.

https://www.hsa.org.uk/killing-mammals-using-electricity-two-stage-application/killing-mammals-using-electricity-two-stage-application

[bdunham7]

All that said, is there a way to use 1, 2, 3 or so 12 v batteries to produce 300vac at 5 amps and how would you do it?  Again, I appreciate all of the help and suggestions and I apologize for too many details.
Thanks, Perdido

I think the easiest way with off-the-shelf stuff would be two batteries with a large 24V to 240V inverter followed by an appropriate (and pretty big) transformer.   I'd recommend you consider a higher voltage as those things are pretty thick skinned.  Different animals have different susceptibility to electric shock (horses notably are very susceptible and easily killed) and IDK where pigs rank. 

[Analog Kid]

I am certainly no expert on anything having to do with handling large wild animals.

But it seems really obvious to me that the OP's idea of electrocuting these porcine pests is absurd. Leaving aside whether or not it's humane, how in the world is someone going to be able to get into a position where they can safely (to themself) apply the electricity to the animal? You're certainly not gonna chase them down and then somehow administer a lethal shock while the two of you are on the run.

The only scheme that could possibly work is the idea described below of building some kind of structure to impound them, which brings up all kinds of problems.

The OP claims that nobody he knows of has a real solution to this problem; yes, it's a knotty problem with a lot of "gotchas", but it's hard to believe that nobody out there, including the fish, game and wildlife agencies, have no solutions to this widespread problem.

[IanB]

Thanks, and I really understand where I offered too much information.  I’ve tried vets, wildlife officials, game managers, etc. and they are as frustrated as I am regarding our wild pig problem.  My first thought was to discuss this with some of my local folks who work in the electrical field and that’s where I got the suggestion to come to an electronics forum.i Texas has a much worse problem than we do and the cattle forums are also looking for an answer and this forum popped up in a similar discussion.  I’m just looking for the nuts and bolts of how to get the power I need from a battery or batteries and I felt like a forum like this would have that expertise.
Thanks, Perdido

You didn't offer too much information. It is impossible to answer questions when insufficient information is given.

This link provided by Marco is relevant and useful:

https://www.hsa.org.uk/killing-mammals-using-electricity-two-stage-application/killing-mammals-using-electricity-two-stage-application

Note from this:

- It is a two person job.
- It requires special equipment (and training in how to use it) to ensure a successful outcome.

It follows that if you try to make something yourself it is not likely to work.

Yes, shooting the free animals with a rifle is likely to be noisy and disruptive. But you said the animals were trapped? In which case you don't need a rifle, you need a more specialized piece of abattoir equipment like a bolt gun or a stun gun. People have been slaughtering animals for thousands of years. The traditional method still works: a blow on the head to stun the animal, and sever the arteries in the neck so it bleeds to death while unconscious.

[IanB]

I guess I should have asked what amount of dc battery current is required to produce 300vac at 5 amps

In the simplest sense, this is easily answered: 300 volts x 5 amps = 12 volts x 125 amps = 1500 watts.

So a simple answer would be a 1500 watt inverter with a 240 volt output. For 300 volts, if that is truly needed, you are less likely to find such a thing off the shelf.

Also, it doesn't seem like 5 amps is really needed, only 1-2 amps seems sufficient.

The main electrical problem is that there is no such electrical device that can force an output of 300 volts and 5 amps. What happens is that the device outputs 300 volts, and then the resistance of the circuit decides how much current will flow, by Ohm's law.

For example, if the inverter outputs 240 volts and the hog has a resistance of 350 ohms, then the current will be 240 / 350 = 0.7 amps. The hog will not be sufficiently stunned.

To overcome this problem, professional stunning devices vary the voltage to provide the required current. Making such a device is hard or impractical for a regular person. Buying a professionally designed one is feasible.

shooting pigs with a suppressed rifle causes a great deal of disturbance to the deer and other game animals and they all go nocturnal

A crossbow?

[joeqsmith]

Not sure about your game but if you were wanting to go after soda bottles, I have your answer.     

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2toGMWAsA3E

[BillyO]

This whole thing seems extraordinarily ridiculous.

We're talking about feral pigs.  They are not going to sit still while you attach electrodes to them.  They are not going to walk indoors so you can gas them and you won't be able to do that outdoors while they run and prance.  You won't be able to heard them into a location, or get close enough to them, to use a bolt gun.

Hunting or trap & shoot are the only ways.  Well, you could sedate them with tranquilizer darts then dispatch them at a convenient place, but that isn't going to be cheap.

[antenna]

Bait and BOOM, get them all at once.

[BillyO]

I don't buy that disease is a problem either.  They should not be any more diseased than any other wild animal.  There are innumerable sources on the internet, including government sources, that state wild pigs are safe to eat if proper field dressing and cooking practices are followed.

According to Wikipedia:

The meat of wild pigs may be suitable for human consumption; around 461,000 animals killed in Texas between 2004 and 2009 were federally inspected and commercially sold for consumption.

CDC guidelines:

Use clean, sharp knives for field dressing and butchering.
Wear eye protection and rubber or latex gloves (disposable or reusable) when handling carcasses.
Avoid direct (bare skin) contact with fluid or organs from the animal.
Avoid direct (bare skin) contact with hunting dogs that may have come into contact with hunted animals.
After butchering, burn or bury disposable gloves and parts of the carcass that will not be eaten.
Don’t feed dogs with raw meat or other parts of the carcass.
Wash hands as soon as possible with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or more. Dry hands with a clean cloth.
Clean all tools and reusable gloves with a disinfectant, like dilute bleach. (Follow the safety instructions on the product label).
Thoroughly cook meat from any animal that is known to be a possible carrier of brucellosis.
Be aware that freezing, smoking, drying and pickling do not kill the bacteria that cause brucellosis.
Taking proper precautions and correctly cooking wild game gives hunters the certainty that their next meal will be delicious and healthy. Armed with knowledge and proper technique, hunters can rely on wild hogs for high protein and low fat meat and while helping mitigate hog populations.

[Marco]

They are not going to walk indoors so you can gas them

https://youtu.be/8U3KEvtWRak?t=480

[BillyO]

They are not going to walk indoors so you can gas them

https://youtu.be/8U3KEvtWRak?t=480

LOL!  Touche.

But they did trap them fist, and left the slaughtering to pros.

[CatalinaWOW]

This whole thing seems extraordinarily ridiculous.

We're talking about feral pigs.  They are not going to sit still while you attach electrodes to them.  They are not going to walk indoors so you can gas them and you won't be able to do that outdoors while they run and prance.  You won't be able to heard them into a location, or get close enough to them, to use a bolt gun.

Hunting or trap & shoot are the only ways.  Well, you could sedate them with tranquilizer darts then dispatch them at a convenient place, but that isn't going to be cheap.

This!  And this is why the various state agencies are of limited help.  They are smart, and learn quickly of dangerous (to them) situations.  OP says he has trapped them.  It can be done, but not easily.  Once in a suitable enclosure they can be forced into a confined area.  But the suitable enclosure isn't cheap or easy.  They are strong and need I remind you, smart.  They will find and exploit weak spots.  At the ground, at gates, at posts.  They will learn about permanent facilities so your magic fence has to be easily portable, probably also need to be de odorized and camouflaged. 

If it was easy this wouldn't be a widespread and growing problem.

[tautech]

A visit to the local slaughterhouse can reveal best practice but with a # of pig traps to attend to, dragging good 'despatching' equipment might get old quick.

Feral hogs are nasty and dangerous beasts and the only safe way to handle them at close quarters is with a rifle, and a suppressed one if your state permits them so to avoid disturbing other more desirable game.

A visit to your local outfitter will suggest a low report firearm, appropriate ammo and suppressor to fit it.
In my world a 22 Magnum with solids would be the minimum I would consider for this close range work with shots placed in the ear hole.

Good luck with battling your Hog plague. 

[Perdido]

Everyone’s given me something to think about and I’ve modified my plans accordingly.  Instead of using electricity to kill the pigs in a trap, I’ve decided to make an electrified trap that can be triggered remotely while watching the pigs in real time.  I think it will give me a better chance for success and remove the danger factor for me. 
Thanks for all of your comments, Perdido

[joeqsmith]

Everyone’s given me something to think about and I’ve modified my plans accordingly.  Instead of using electricity to kill the pigs in a trap, I’ve decided to make an electrified trap that can be triggered remotely while watching the pigs in real time.  I think it will give me a better chance for success and remove the danger factor for me. 
Thanks for all of your comments, Perdido

Hope you do a better job than the pro's. 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Tafero

I suggest not making any videos of your attempts or leave any other evidence.  Even posting to public forums I would imagine could be used against you.  Check into your local laws to see if you can be prosecuted for inhumane treatment of animals. 

Where I grew up, drunken idiots with guns would show up from other parts of the state.  So I'm not suggesting use of a gun is more humane but in the right hands and with practice.   Depending where in the USA you live, you may have other laws about use of firearms.   Some areas I lived would not allow the use of center fire high power rifles.   The local DNR should be able to help answer any questions you have. 

No matter what you decide, educate yourself first.  As for using electrocution, it sounds like you do not have the skills to work on such a system in the first place.  Posting about such a system in the beginners area may be frowned upon.   I sense the wild hogs and Darwin may take the victory on this one.   

[BillyO]

I’ve decided to make an electrified trap that can be triggered remotely while watching the pigs in real time.

It almost sounds like you really want to see them suffer. 

I really wish you would not do this.

[calzap]

Among other things, I’m a licensed vet specializing in food animals.  I’ve dispatched a lot of livestock and wild animals.

Except for the very young, wild hogs are powerful, dangerous animals and trying to confine them for conventional euthanasia (captive bolt, gas, electrocution, injection, etc.) is dangerous for the operator and the hogs.  Confinement of any kind is very upsetting to these wild animals. And proper confinement equipment is expensive.  Some of the euthanasia methods listed above are actually considered stunning, not killing.  Exsanguination or bilateral pneumothorax are required to finish the job.

Once the hogs are confined in any way, even a large corral or trap, they are going to be upset.  Most humane thing is to kill them ASAP without further handling.  If at all feasible, a high-power rifle (not a 22LR or .177!) should be used by an experienced marksman.  Keep in mind when handling wild hogs, dead or alive, they can carry diseases or ectoparasites transmissible to humans or other animals, especially livestock.  Take appropriate precautions.  Follow local rules and laws in all processes from trapping to carcass disposal.

Mike