A Euthanasia Machine

A high degree of control is not possible in the procedures described above. The results depend on how fast someone actually pours how much acid; the rate the acid mixes with the baking soda; how much air was initially in the carbon dioxide chamber; how well the CO₂ mixes with the air in the euthanasia chamber as it enters; and then there are concerns over operator error. To do a significantly better job would require a euthanasia machine. One possible design is shown below. It eliminates a lot of variables, is consistently effective, but requires more time, money, and tools to build.

In this design there are two carbon dioxide chambers. Each is formed by two plastic glasses. The upper one fits tightly into the top of the lower one to create an airtight chamber. A 1/2-inch tube runs from each lower glass to the euthanasia chamber. Each upper glass has a 7/64^th-inch hole drilled into the bottom and is plugged by a sharpened dowel (insert with a twisting motion without pushing too hard and possibly cracking the plastic). The hose from the first glass runs along the top of the euthanasia chamber, is plugged at the end (a piece of sponge works), and has a dozen or so holes drilled into it so that the CO₂ is evenly dispersed as it enters the chamber. (The lid of the chamber had spaces where the handle goes through it, so no holes had to be made to allow air to escape as CO₂ enters.) The hose from the second glass goes to the bottom of the chamber. The bottom of each lower glass is covered to a depth of about 1.5 inches with bits of moistened sponge, or open-cell foam, cut into 1/4 inch cubes on top of which the baking soda is added. This prevents the baking soda from forming a solid layer on the bottom of the glass, and so promotes a more rapid reaction with the acid. Another way to promote a complete reaction is to place a moist piece of heavy cloth, like a wash cloth, in the bottom of the cup and cut so it extends up the sides about one inch, then put the baking soda on it.

Removing the dowel from the first glass releases the vinegar to begin the process of gradually increasing the CO₂ level in the euthanasia chamber and thereby inducing a state of deep anesthesia. After about 1 minute, the vinegar drains and the dowel is replaced. After waiting an additional minute, the dowel in the second glass is removed, the vinegar flows into the lower glass, and CO₂ floods the chamber from the bottom up causing rapid death. After the second cup drains, replace the dowel and wait at least 10 minutes. Be sure to do a few test runs first, making sure all the baking soda reacts (swirl the glass and if few or no bubbles form, then the reaction was complete).

One option would be to cut a circular hole in the end of the euthanasia chamber so your hand could be inside to hold and comfort your pet. To seal the hole, use a bracelet or wire ring a bit larger than the hole, then stretch a surgical latex glove over it and cut off the fingers and thumb. Adjust the ring so that, when your hand is inside, the glove seals the hole.

Next:  Concluding Remarks 

Add comment