Under what circumstance is the IV or IC injection of potassium chloride an acceptable euthanasia method?

The choice of using intravenous (IV) or intracardiac (IC) injection of potassium chloride as an acceptable euthanasia method is predicated on the condition that the animal being euthanized is anesthetized. When an animal is under anesthesia, it is typically in a state where it does not experience pain or distress, making the administration of potassium chloride a humane option. This method induces a rapid and humane death due to its effect on the heart when the animal is already unconscious.

The use of potassium chloride directly affects the electrolyte balance, leading to cardiac arrest. However, if the animal is not anesthetized, this method could cause significant distress and pain, which would be contrary to the ethical standards of humane euthanasia practices. Therefore, ensuring that the animal is anesthetized prior to administering potassium chloride is crucial to meeting the welfare requirements for euthanasia.