Dispatching Vermin

[Labradorks]

Can anyone tell me about a time (or two) that they had to dispatch an animal by hand (not a mouse/rat trap) that was a threat to your pets? I had to do it this weekend, and, while I know it was the right thing to do, it was hard! I didn't have many options, so the method was probably not the most cruel way to it, but certainly not the best, most humane way, so that made it even harder.

[BaconsMom]

We use a baited live trap, then a single pellet from a pellet gun to the head. It helps them go quickly. If it is a more robust animal, say a coyote or larger carnivore, I see the only option as a rifle from a safe distance, or a foot trap.

[CraftHer]

You did the right thing to protect you and your pets. I am so fortunate that my FIL takes care of this when it's needed and I can be blissfully oblivious. My FIL uses the same method as Bacon's Mom.

[Labradorks]

You did the right thing to protect you and your pets. I am so fortunate that my FIL takes care of this when it's needed and I can be blissfully oblivious. My FIL uses the same method as Bacon's Mom.

Unfortunately my parents had already left for their deer or elk hunting trip. Ironic!

[Jax's Mom]

Sometimes you have to.do things you don't really want to. But you kept your animals safe and that's important! Sorry you had to do it.

[emma_Dad]

A few months ago, I had to kill a big copper head. It was living in our courtyard of the apt building, where a lot of people walk pets and kids play. It was reported to management, and they didn't really do anything about it. We tried trapping it a few times, but no luck. So we went at it with a shovel and machete.

I don't like killing snakes since they are good for pest control, but it could have been bad since a lot of kids were playing around outside in the summer.