Dairy Caretaker Perspectives on Performing Euthanasia as an Essential Component of Their Job

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Although on-farm euthanasia is a critical component of dairy management and provides a way to alleviate animal suffering, little is known about dairy caretaker perspectives on their role in euthanasia, their comfort level with the procedures, and the impact of practicing euthanasia on their wellbeing and mental health. Thematic analysis of focus groups and interviews of Colorado dairy caretakers revealed a human–animal bond and empathy toward animals in all participants. Training practices were varied and correlated with knowledge about euthanasia procedures and language used to discuss euthanasia. Participants reported that little communication about the stress related to performing euthanasia occurred on the farm, and there was no awareness of mental health resources available to caretakers. Testing of interventions that can support animal caretakers by reducing euthanasia-related stress and improving emotional wellbeing, and efforts to increase awareness of mental health recourses are clear needs for dairy operations. ABSTRACT: The objectives of this study were to identify caretakers’ perceptions and stressors related to performing on-farm euthanasia as well as potential ideas for intervention strategies to alleviate negative effects of performing euthanasia on caretaker well-being. Additionally, we aimed to determine how euthanasia methods, procedures, and training correlate with dairy caretakers’ attitudes toward performing on-farm euthanasia and their job satisfaction and sense of well-being. Thirty-eight dairy caretakers (19 workers, 15 supervisors, 3 owners, 1 veterinarian) participated in focus groups or interviews conducted and recorded on five Northern Colorado dairies. Thematic analysis of focus group and interview transcripts revealed seven recurring themes. Variation in available training and euthanasia protocols among dairy farms was evident. There was a lack of awareness regarding available mental health resources and little communication between farm personnel about euthanasia-related stress. Training was correlated with caretaker knowledge about euthanasia procedures and the language used to refer to euthanasia. Human-animal bonds and empathy toward animals were evident in participants regardless of training, job position, or dairy experience. Interventions such as training programs, mental health resources, and other support systems should be tested for effectiveness in addressing euthanasia-related stressors, improving euthanasia decision-making and practice, and increasing animal wellbeing on dairy farms.