Abstract: A method and apparatus for the humane euthanasia of small animals involves the use of a programmable controller and animal holding chamber. The apparatus includes a Mass Flow Controller (“MFC”) having a closed-loop interface with a Programmable Logic Controller (“PLC”) to provide a predetermined flow rate of gas under specified pressures for specified time periods. The PLC is preprogrammed to provide various cycles that are designed to provide the proper flow rate for various animal species. The program may allow for a two-stage flow rate cycle so that in the first stage the animal is anesthetized and in the second stage the animals are euthanatized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the humane euthanasia of small animals, particularly rodents, involves the use of a programmable controller and animal holding chamber. The device consists of a Mass Flow Controller (“MFC”) with a closed loop interfacing with the use of a Programmable Logic Controller (“PLC”) to provide a constant flow rate of gas under a specific pressure for a specified time. The PLC is preprogrammed to provide various cycles that are designed to provide the proper flow rate for each animal species. The program allows for a two-stage flow rate cycle so that in the first stage the animal is anesthetized from the upright to unconscious position and in the second stage the animals are euthanatized as measured by the cessation of respiration and heartbeat. This two-stage euthanasia system reduces the amount of distress the animals experience during the process.