Animal protection and mass depopulation.

This case study-based paper outlines the thought processes linked to the ethical decision in Canadian animal protection work, about when a case warrants investigation as an offence under provincial animal protection legislation and when it is a criminal code offence. Conflict of laws and jurisdiction as well as prosecutorial discretion give us cause to consider whether methods of mass depopulation of animals in emergency situations can breach prohibitions against animal cruelty. The current practice of overheating enclosed holding facilities to intentionally kill pigs by induced heat stroke is, in the authors' opinions, an action consistent with a general understanding of animal cruelty. Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.