Vers: July 08

Canberra Indian Myna Action Group Inc.
— Protocol on Animal Welfare
(download Protocol as a PDF, 23Kb)

The Canberra Indian Myna Action Group Inc. (CIMAG) has the aim of protecting native birds from the threat posed by the Indian Myna (or Common Myna).  Part of its strategy is a humane reduction program through trapping and euthanising mynas. 

Members of CIMAG who participate in this part of the strategy are required to adopt the following animal welfare protocol. 

Management of traps

• Traps used are to be designed specifically for Indian Mynas (or Starlings) and to have a release opening to allow any native birds to escape

• trappers are not to use seed-based food in traps as this can attract native birds
• if a native bird is trapped, it is to be released immediately (avoid letting mynas escape).

• The traps are to contain food and clean water for any trapped birds.
• The birds are not to be exposed to undue stress while trapped — avoid manhandling or approaching the traps too frequently.
• Trapped Indian Mynas (and Starlings) are to be disposed of in a reasonable period (within two days), rather than kept captive for days on end.
• If decoy birds are used in traps, they and any trapped birds are to have access to adequate food, clean water, shelter and shade. 
• The birds are not to be treated cruelly or with harsh conditions: please observe the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act 1992

• traps are to be checked morning and evening.

Dealing with trapped birds

• The method used for doing away trapped birds is to be quick, painless, and stress-free
• acceptable euthanising methods include gassing with carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide
• if using carbon monoxide, use a car with a cold engine:  do not use diesel vehicles
• place the containment chamber with the trapped birds in a near-airtight bag or box, connect a grey water hose / pipe from the car exhaust pipe into the bag / box and run the cold car for a minute or so:  the birds should be unconscious within 10-15 seconds and dead within 30-40 seconds

-   it takes no longer than 30-40 seconds for the birds to die peacefully there is something wrong with your technique, and you should contact CIMAG for advice.

• we prefer that cervical dislocation (breaking their necks) is not used, except by qualified professionals and then is to be instantaneous, with minimal handling of the birds.  Our preference is that trappers do not adopt this method as it is stressful to the birds in the trap, unpleasant and can allow birds to escape. 

• The RSPCA has agreed to euthanize and dispose of trapped birds free of charge to CIMAG members — CIMAG members are encouraged to take up this offer
• birds are to be delivered to the RSPCA Weston Centre (Wildlife Office, 1st building on Kirkpatrick St) before 5:00pm on weekdays and before 3:30pm on weekends.

Disposal of dead birds

• Dead birds are to be disposed of in a hygienic and environmentally sound way, as recommended by CIMAG.

I commit to the above protocol on animal welfare if trapping.