PDFWAC 220-450-180

Wildlife rehabilitation—Euthanizing wildlife.

Euthanasia must be provided in accordance with an animal's welfare, using humane techniques and at a reasonable time after admission to prevent unnecessary suffering of the animal. Permittees must follow the most current American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines on Euthanasia.
(1) Bald eagles, golden eagles, and state endangered or threatened wildlife may be euthanized, without prior department approval, if the animal is suffering and untreatable or has a terminal illness or injury. In all other cases, prior department approval must be obtained before euthanizing state endangered or threatened wildlife.
(2) Any bird that has sustained injuries requiring amputation of a foot, a portion of a leg or wing at the elbow (humero-ulnar joint) or above, or any animal that is permanently blind must be euthanized.
(3) If an animal cannot, after medical management, feed itself, or ambulate without inflicting additional injury to itself, the animal must be euthanized.
(4) The primary permittee must comply with all applicable federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act rules when taking action for migratory birds under this section.
(5) The primary permittee shall report immediately to the department any department-surveilled wildlife disease or suspected emerging disease. If the director determines that such disease or outbreak presents a threat to wildlife of the state, the director may immediately order destruction of the wildlife.
(6) A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.120 for endangered birds; RCW 77.15.130 for protected birds; or RCW 77.15.400 for all other wild birds, depending on the bird species.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.240, 77.12.467, 77.12.469, and 77.32.070. WSR 19-06-038 (Order 19-35), § 220-450-180, filed 3/1/19, effective 4/1/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-450-180, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.240, 77.12.467, 77.12.469, and 77.32.070. WSR 13-18-046 (Order 13-192), § 232-12-863, filed 8/30/13, effective 9/30/13.]