Personal statement:

I have been euthanizing animals for over 15 years. I began doing this job whilst working on a dairy farm which also had a stud and livery yard. During this time, I saw things I did not like when firms came to put the animals down. The Slaughtermen always seemed to be in too much of a hurry to treat the animals with care. Therefore things would go wrong.

I have always loved animals, but I also understand the need to put them down when the time comes. So I decided to train and get myself licensed. I am licensed to put down horses and other livestock and want to ensure this is done in the best way possible.

I have a form of Autism called Asperger’s Syndrome. This means whilst I may struggle with some types of social interaction, it also gives me some advantages. I have the ability to see in my mind, things from an animal point of view. I understand how they think. I have designed several handling pens and done a lot of work in handling and slaughtering facilities for difficult species such as the semi-feral Dartmoor pony.

I study anything I can find on slaughtering techniques and the euthanasia of animals. I want to improve animal welfare where it is possible. Long term, I would like to construct my own facility to provide the best type of handling facilities. This will improve the slaughter process for all animals but especially the semi-feral types of animals.

I always do everything I can to ensure that the animals I put down, know nothing about what is to happen. I try to ensure that in all cases, the animal dies instantly and does not feel any pain at all.

An animal will become frightened and fight if restrained. As I understand how an animal thinks, I appreciate their viewpoint when I go to put it down. This enables me to get the animal to come to me without resisting. It is always my goal to ensure that there nothing seen or heard by the animal, to cause stress or upset during the euthanasia process.

I also teach slaughtering techniques to anyone who has a need to learn this subject. I have people accompany me for work experience to learn about the job (these are normally future veterinary students. Work experience of this nature may aid in a college application process).

Whilst I am licensed as a Marksman to deal with wild and dangerous animals, I have recently obtained my license to use a Dart Gun. This means I can now tranquilize animals that are difficult to handle. Previously, these animals would have been shot dead. A Vet is required to prescribe the drugs before an animal may be darted in this manner.

I have always had a fascination with investigating the cause of death/reason for euthanasia of an animal. I will perform a Post Mortem examination if an owner or Vet requires it.

I enjoy teaching animal anatomy and have built a viewing room within the Carcass Processing area, which I also constructed at Dartmoor Zoo, Plymouth. This facility has turned out to be very popular with schools, colleges and the public. It enables me to show in detail, how the body works and also a few of the things that can go wrong. For details on next public class please click here.