Humane Dispatch: Cervical Dislocation

Dispatch the rabbit by cervical dislocation, which severs the spinal cord at the skull base, causing immediate unconsciousness. Place a sturdy bar (metal pipe or broomstick handle) across the back of the neck at the skull base, press down firmly, and pull the hind legs upward in one swift motion.

Why It Works

Cervical dislocation separates the spinal cord from the brainstem, instantly stopping all brain signals. The rabbit loses consciousness before pain signals register. This method is endorsed by the AVMA for rabbits under 1 kg and widely used by experienced small-scale processors for larger rabbits as well.

Tips

• Practice the motion on a carcass first to build confidence and speed
• Keep the rabbit calm beforehand by holding it gently against your body; stress hormones degrade meat quality
• Verify success by checking for absence of corneal reflex and proceed to bleeding within 30 seconds