17 M.R.S. §1043: Emergency methods

The following methods shall be used only in an emergency situation in which the safety of people or other animal life is threatened or in a situation in which the mandatory method of euthanasia of cats and dogs cannot be implemented expeditiously and will cause undue suffering. The following methods shall not be used as a substitute for the mandatory method.

1. Shooting. The animal may be destroyed by shooting, provided that:

A. The animal is restrained in a humane manner;

B. Shooting is performed by highly skilled and trained personnel utilizing a weapon and ammunition of suitable caliber and other characteristics to produce instantaneous death by a single shot; and

C. Maximum precaution is taken to protect the general public, employees and other animals.