Lake County

Conclusions 3

• CL1
  An accident involving livestock demands an effective and efficient response when human safety and animal well-being are at stake. At the time of the 2023 rollover, first responders in Lake County had not trained for such a scenario and few had any experience with livestock. Traditional response vehicles are not equipped with specialized equipment to work with animals. A SOS to local cowboys and ranchers resulted in needed expertise and provision of equipment for extrication, Page | 99 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report containment, and transport of both surviving and non-surviving cattle. However, sourcing animal containment and handling equipment in a trailer ahead of time along a route experiencing multiple animal transports could remove a huge barrier to an initial rapid and effective response. Driver error accounts for the vast majority of livestock truck overturns, with speed, driver fatigue, over-steering or over-correcting, and failure to adjust vehicle speed to curves in the road’s being the most common contributing factors. Other factors are poor brakes, low tire pressure, and damaged suspension. Commercial carriers, especially two-tiered, have a high center-of-gravity and unstable loads. If the load of cattle shifts, the vehicle become unbalanced. Most trucks roll to the right, especially on turns. In the usual course of events, Animal Care and Control would have been the advocate for the cattle and responsible for their care, but they, too, had not prepped for such an event. As well, they have been without a veterinarian for more than two years, so first responders had to request assistance from private veterinarians – not all of whom in Lake County were large-animal veterinarians - and only one was willing to respond to the 2023 incident without a promise of payment. Animal Care and Control, following the 2023 incident, was tasked by the Office of Emergency Services to draft a Large Animal Response Annex to the County Emergency Operations Plan and was instructed to develop operational procedures that address responses to large animal injury incidents. These tasks have not been effected. The Department is lacking a permanent Director to oversee creation of these emergency responses. Additionally, Animal Care and Control in the past also would have been able to call out their LEAP (Lake Emergency & Animal Protection) volunteers with their large transport trailer, but that service has evidently ceased. Page | 100 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report
• CL2
  Euthanasia, however unpleasant, is an inevitable component of animal injury. Developing an action plan that is updated regularly helps minimize the stress associated with carrying out euthanasia and most certainly prevents the unnecessary suffering of animals. Page | 169 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report EXHIBIT B Page | 170 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 171 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 172 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 173 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 174 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 175 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 176 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 177 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 178 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 179 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 180 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report District Attorney’s Office Lets Potential Cases Go Unfiled Due to Expiration of Statute of Limitations SUMMARY An unknown number of potential criminal cases submitted by County law enforcement officials to the District Attorney’s (DA) Office have not been filed in Court because their statute of limitations were allowed to expire, thus preventing prosecution. While these potential cases appear to involve misdemeanors and not felonies, some alleged Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and domestic violence, which often are serial offenses. The Grand Jury emphasizes the importance of staying on top of incoming cases, given the time and attention needed to review each case.
• CL3
  The findings from any risk assessment should provide recommendations on how to ensure that Lithium-ion batteries are handled, used, stored, or charged safely and must be aligned to provide first-responders a strategy for fire management. Education and awareness on the part of firefighters is critically essential, and commitment to emergency response training and the development of an “action plan” with emergency contact information distributed to regional agencies could prove crucial in limiting the resulting personal and property damage when battery fires erupt. As well, clear evacuation procedures should be established for first responders and the community.

Comments 12

• CO1
  Veal Calves:  Small intensively raised animals often totally lack any avoidance flight or fight response  Generally baby bull calves, weighing between 80 to 120 pounds  Usually need to be carried or moved with solid panels by pushing the ‘wall’ toward them. Hot shot use PROHIBITED!
• CO2
  Bulls:  May be aggressive and should be considered potentially dangerous  Tend to have larger humps on their necks, testicles between their rear legs, will usually have thicker hair on their foreheads  Can weigh between 1000-3000 pounds Page | 127 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report  May have special insurance needs in cases of needed euthanasia. If possible, ask driver about insurance requirements for euthanasia  Beef and dairy o Beef bulls should be considered DANGEROUS; extra precautions need to be taken. Do not put yourself in situations whereby the animal can get to you to hurt you with its head, feet, or other body parts o Dairy bulls should be considered EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! These animals will meet the general definition of a bull, but will be patterned in the following: Black and white patterns; red and white patterns; brownish and white patterns, or deer tan to blackish colored; most dairy breeds have a concave facial feature between their eyes o DO NOT ENGAGE THESE ANIMALS!
• CO3
  Cows:  May be aggressive and should be considered potentially dangerous  Come in a wide assortment of colors and physical characteristics  Will have an udder between their rear legs, but lack other distinguishable features  BEEF COWS: o Come in an endless assortment of colors and sizes. They will be large in size (800-2000+ pounds per cow)  DAIRY COWS: o Black and white patterns; red and white patterns; brownish and white patterns; or deer tan to blackish colored; most dairy breeds have a concave facial feature between their eyes  FEEDER CALVES: o Young cattle between 6 months and 1 year of age o Generally weigh between 400-900 pounds o May be males (either intact with testicles between rear legs, or castrated with no testicles between rear legs) or females (small udder between hind legs) o Not often aggressive o Will likely be scared, skittish, and wild  Finished feedlot cattle (often called ‘fat cattle’) Page | 128 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report TRAILER ACCIDENTS It is recommended that rescuers avoid entering a trailer whenever possible.  A temporary containment facility should be located or created before animals are released from a trailer (i.e. paneled corral, directly onto another truck, or even created with police tape for certain species such as horses). A nearby fenced field may be used for containment.  If you are presented with a situation where the trailer and/or bedding are on fire, do not release the animals from the trailer until a plan for containment is established. Loose animals will pose a serious risk to passing vehicles, as well as bystanders.  Live animals should be removed from a trailer before it is righted.  The ideal way to remove an animal from a trailer is through the existing doors, but this is not always possible.  To decide the optimum method of extrication, first evaluate the trailer and the condition of the animals. o Position of trailer—on side, roof, or upright, on right or left side o Position of animals—lying down, pinned, or trapped, tied or loose  If the animals are uninjured and standing calmly in the trailer, leave them alone until it is necessary to move them.  No person should enter a trailer to check or treat animals until a rescue plan is established and the trailer is stabilized.  If you are unable to use existing doors, access to animals can be achieved through the roof.  The structural integrity of a trailer must not be jeopardized, or the trailer may collapse on the animals and rescue personnel: (a) Ascertain the design of the trailer (i.e. angle haul, multi- deck, dividers, etc.) (b) Determine what material the trailer is made of—most new trailers are a combination of fiberglass and/or aluminum with steel supports. Older trailers are usually all steel. (c) Endure that the trailer has been stabilized before proceeding with any rescue attempt. Page | 129 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report (d) Try to determine which direction gates will swing when opened. Animals may be held in place by a closed gate. To avoid injury, use caution when opening. (e) Check to be sure the animals do not have any limbs trapped. Horses may need sedation before dismantling the trailer they are in. (This must be done by a licensed veterinarian.) (f) Ensure the animals inside will not be injured while cutting into the trailer. (g) Cut the hole only wide enough for one animal at a time to get out. (h) Don’t cut the hole out completely, you may with to use the attached metal as a wall or door. (i) Bend the cut edges out to prevent the animals getting cut while exiting the trailer. MAKING THE CUT IN A MULTI-DECK TRAILER: Important note: When using cutting equipment, always assign a person(s) to assess the animals in the trailer, and how they are responding to the noise and vibrations. The cutting tool should be turned on at a distance from the trailer. The first cut should be made to the roof of the trailer. This will allow unloading of the top deck first in multi-deck trailers. DO NOT cut the access to create a fold- down ramp. The material is slippery and the animals will slip and fall, or may even refuse to walk on it. It will also become a safety hazard to responders. The opening should be approximately 3 feet wide by 5 to 6 feet high. Start at the bottom of the door, having the saw travel along the framing at about 2 inches above the floor level (the side of the trailer that the animals are not standing on). The opening should begin at the inside aspect of the rib, traveling across the bottom and cutting through one rib, then the next rib, and turning the saw to cut upward inside the rib. Cutting on the inside of the rib preserves structural stability and also creates smoother edges. The cut is continued up the rib to approximately the same height as a door in a home. The saw is then turned and a cut is made across the top toward the starting Page | 130 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report rib. The cut is stopped and the exit access has not been created. Once containment is established, most uninjured animals will exit on their own. Note: To cover the sharp, cut edges and avoid injury to human or animal, us a cut plastic pool noodle, or an old firehose to cover the edge. ADDITIONAL MULTI-DECK TRAILER UNLOADING OPTIONS (IF APPLICABLE): Unloading the “Doghouse” This compartment is located on the rear, right side of the top deck of most trailers. When a trailer overturns, this compartment can open and animals can be trapped. Depending upon which side the trailer overturns, another exit may need to be cut, and a temporary ramp set up to allow animals to exit. Unloading the Neck/Nose Most trailer designs will not allow the animals to be unloaded through the initial hole cut in the roof. Many trailers have a panel between the neck and the top deck. Rather than remove the divider panel, cut an access hole in the trailer’s neck area. Unloading the Back End and Lower Deck This area can be accessed at the rear of the trailer. In a straight-haul trailer, the back end is cut open for unloading. In a pot-bellied trailer (multi-deck), the back end compartment should be emptied first. If the trailer is overturned on its left side, most likely a cut will not need to be made. When on its left side, the roller door of the trailer will be at ground level, and can be removed for unloading. If the trailer is overturned on its right side, a cut will need to be made. The hinges on the alley sort gate may need to be cut separately, because they are welded to the inside of the panel, requiring multiple cuts, through the back panel and alley gate. Unloading the Belly Once the back end of the trailer has been unloaded, the belly (or pot) can be unloaded. The belly is separated from the other compartments by panels, and may need to be cut and secured to allow for unloading. Page | 131 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report WHAT TO AVOID:  Avoid cutting through the bottom of the trailer or through the solid top deck floor. This is time consuming and often causes irreparable damage to the trailer  Avoid cutting the opening larger than needed  Avoid cutting too many openings  Avoid using winches or tow trucks to tear the trailer apart  Avoid up-righting the trailer with animals still inside! TRAILER EXTRICATION TOOLS: Best tools for cutting a trailer:  Reciprocating saw: this type of saw can efficiently cut apart the roof and the back end of a commercial trailer liner. The blade must be constantly lubricated. This type of saw produces minimal noise.  Circular saw with an adjustable metal blade: this type of saw provides the most rapid cutting action and can be used on the back end and roof of a trailer. It is very important to ensure that when using this saw, you do not cut the animals contained! Tools that successfully cut the trailer (but are not recommended)  Air chisel: the air chisel will cut the roof, but will most likely not be effective on the ribs of the roof or back panels. The air chisel is also very loud, which elevates stress levels and could induce a panic response from the contained animals.  Chop Saw: this saw is very large and difficult to hand for overhead cuts. Two people are required to stabilize and lift the saw, which increases the chance of injury. This saw cuts deep, and could injure or kill animals contained.  Cutters: these tools cut aluminum, but create a jagged edge, increasing the potential for injury. Tools that will NOT successfully cut a trailer:  Hydraulic spreaders (Jaws of Life): they are designed to spread and not cut. They will not create sufficient openings for livestock.  Cutting torches: they melt aluminum and will burn the animals. Page | 132 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report  Rescue Circular Saw (K-12): this saw will jam on aluminum, plywood, and rubber. It will also spark creating the possibility of fire. TEMPORARY CONTAINMENT In the event of a motor vehicle accident, containment structures must be in place before extraction. Security and containment at the scene of an incident are critical to the safety of bystanders, responders, and animals involved. CONSIDERATIONS:  If on roadway, consider closing the roadway.  Injured livestock should be contained and treated as soon as possible.  Assess surrounding area; is natural or manmade containment available?  Environmental dangers: containment area should be safe for animals and responders to prevent further injury.  Allow sufficient space for animals within the containment area. In regards to a trailer accident: If animals have escaped before responders arrive on scene, a containment area should be established and the loose animals should be contained before a secondary accident occurs. If the animals are still contained in the trailer, temporary containment should be established before any cutting or unloading occurs. In most instances, livestock panels serve as suitable temporary containment. Take advantage of animals’ herding instinct, and unload them in small groups, if at all possible. Isolation will create panic and increased danger to animals and responders. Animals will become and tend to remain calm if they can stay together as a herd. DECISION ABOUT RE-LOADING INJURED OR COMPROMISED ANIMALS Any animal that is unable to stand up on all of its legs by itself is not fit for transport and should be considered for humane euthanasia. In the case of slaughter animals, such an animal will NOT pass for human consumption. Its carcass will likely be condemned in the meat plant. There is nothing to be gained by re-loading and transporting such an animal. Page | 133 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report In the case of other animals, such as horses used for pleasure and competition of valuable pure-bred animals, the owners may strongly disagree with a decision to euthanize the animals. The owner or designee may want to have the animal treated by a licensed veterinarian. In the absence of the owner and/or their designee, loading and transport of a non-ambulatory animal to a suitable place where additional care can be provided requires a veterinarian recommendation. NOTE: At all times, the comfort and safety of the animal must be considered. At the same time, do not disregard your own safety or the safety of other personnel at the scene! MUD AND UNSTABLE SURFACES MUD AND UNSTABLE SURFACES ARE CONSIDERED TO BE DANGEROUS! Unstable ground rescues pose hazards to both animals and rescuers. It is vital in these rescue scenarios that responders have the proper training and equipment. Timing is important. An animal trapped in water or an unstable surface such as mud, are at a rick of drowning, hypothermia, and asphyxiation, as well as the threat from rising tide or water currents. Mud creates a strong suction, or vacuum effect on the trapped animal, creating a force on the animal making it almost impossible to move. Deploying excessive force using winches and vehicles is not an acceptable form of extrication, and is likely to cause asphyxiation, decapitation, nerve damage, and facial and skull injuries. Head, neck, tail, and legs are not acceptable attachment points for extrication. Equipment Recommendations for Mud Rescue:  Sheets of plywood or flat board (EMS backboards can also be utilized)  Fire hose (when inflated with air, can be used as a flotation device, or to rest the head, to keep the animal’s head above the surface)  A source of compressed air or water to utilize to inject air or water into the mud lance to counteract the suction effect  Water hose/source for use with Nikopolous needle  Nikopolous needle (to facilitate the placement of webbing and/or rescue rope) Page | 134 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report  Mud lance (to inject water or air into the mud to break the suction)  Vertical lift equipment  Strop guide  Rescue rope Procedure for Mud Rescue This procedure can be utilized for both large and small animals.
• CO4
  If the animal is trapped near the surface of the mud, a strop guide can be utilized, by threading it underneath the animal. Rescue cord or webbing is attached to the free end of the guide, and the guide is pulled in reverse to thread the rescue cord or webbing under the animal’s body, behind the forelimbs or in front of the hind limbs.
• CO5
  The webbing can be attached as appropriate for the slip, drag, or lift methods.
• CO6
  A mud lance of PVC pipe assembly can be preloaded with air or water and inserted into the mud next to each leg of the animal (without injuring the animal). Air or water is forced into the mud to break the suction while rescuers exert forces necessary to lift, pull, or drag the animal out of the mud. It is important to note that if possible, rolling the animal into lateral recumbency (on its side) increases Page | 135 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report the body surface area in contact with the mud and facilitates dragging the animal across the surface. Placing the animal on a rescue glide, a tarp, or sheet of plywood may assist in this. LIVESTOCK INJURY AND PAIN ANALYSIS It is very important that a veterinarian be contacted immediately to respond to the scene, to assist with injuries and medical response. Large Animal Patient Assessment: Begin with a visual assessment of the animal, so this information can be reported to the veterinarian over the phone, or when they arrive on scene. Patient assessment needs Demeanor of the animal? Demeanor can indicate severity of injury or shock:  Rapid or labored breathing? This can indicate fear, shock, chest trauma, stress, or other conditions  Respiratory rate? Determined by observing chest expansion or nostril flare o Normal vital signs of a horse are 8 to16 respirations per minute o Normal vital signs of a cow are 8 to 16 respirations per minute  Shivering or sweating? This indicates environmental stress  Weight bearing? Non-weight bearing or favoring a limb indicates soft tissue or bone injury  The presence of blood, open wounds, visible bone or impaled objects should be noted. If blood is observed, it should be determined if the animal is actively bleeding. If the animal is bleeding actively, note the rate of bleeding, i.e., trickle, arterial spray, moderate flow, etc. All of these observations are critical when determining how quickly the animal needs medical attention and treatment. Evaluate and decide: (a) no immediate treatment necessary (b) treat animal where it is (c) move animal to another location Page | 136 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report (d) humanely destroy the animal A veterinarian should be called when: (a) requested by the owner (b) sedation of the animal is required (c) an animal that is unable to walk without assistance must be transported from the accident scene (d) the animal should be euthanized (see Section 10) If an animal is injured but can move, work slowly and quietly around it. If it has a halter on, be very careful while leading it. Walk slowly and talk calmly. If it is loose, walk calmly to its side and do not yell or chase it. In trailer entrapments: it is strongly recommended that severely injured animals be euthanized in the trailer. This is for safety of responders and bystanders! To calm animals which may be struggling, stand at the animal’s spine, place a blanket over its eyes, leaving the nostrils exposed and press down lightly on the neck with your knee. If the animal is in an enclosed space, no one should go in to hold the animal down until the space is opened and rescuers can do it safely. It is important to note that if an animal is going to be extricated by any form of drag, the downside portion of the body must be protected, to include the downside eye. An animal that needs to be moved for treatment or euthanasia should be moved the shortest distance possible. If dragging is the ONLY means of rescue, a sled should be used. A spinal board or tarp may be an effective sled. Ensure it is strong enough to handle the weight of the animal you intend to move. The calming method previously covered can be used when moving an animal on a sled. Overexertion An entrapped animal can suffer from extremes of physiological stress. In most cases, there are increased demands on the animal’s cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous and thermoregulatory systems. These demands can induce illness, injury, and death. Complications can develop in hours, or take days Page | 137 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report to present. One common complication is renal (kidney) failure. While the animal is entrapped, it struggles, which causes sweat induced loss of body water and muscle stress. If the animal is not able to drink, it cannot replenish fluids. Myoglobin and other products of muscle breakdown are released from damaged muscle cells in the bloodstream, where they circulate into the kidneys. Myoglobin accumulates in the kidneys, leading to failure. If possible, a veterinarian may be able to administer IV or subcutaneous fluids. Hyperthermia (heat exhaustion/heat stroke) Stressed, struggling, and exhausted animals that need technical rescue or extraction, specifically in an overturned livestock trailer, are at a high risk of developing hyperthermia, especially during the warmer months. No air flow and the crowded and often crushing conditions do not allow the animal to properly thermoregulate. Shade should be provided as soon as possible. This can be accomplished with the use of tarps, blankets, or other shade type materials. If possible, without further harm or stress to the animal, misting, spraying, or sponging the animal with water will assist with cooling. In the case of trapped animals, fans can be place to increase ventilation and air flow, to assist with cooling while responders work to extricate. Bleeding These wounds can be dealt with by applying direct pressure. Open wounds should be kept as clean as possible. Internal bleeding can result in severe shock or death. Signs of internal bleeding are listlessness, unconsciousness, very cold legs, or a blue tinge to the pink skin inside the lips or tongue. The animal should be kept warm and still until a veterinarian can attend. Fractures and Dislocations If bone fractures or dislocations are suspected, a veterinarian should be called immediately. With fractures, an animal may not be able to use the limb, it may move awkwardly, limp severely, or the limb may be pointing in the wrong direction. With dislocations (a limb that is out of its normal joint), the injury may result in the loss of use of the limb, a swelling of the joint, or the affected area will not move easily and appear to Page | 138 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report be ‘locked’. The limb can also look longer or shorter than the corresponding limb on the other side. If a veterinarian has been called, large animals are best left where they are until the veterinarian arrives. If the animal is able to walk, try to get it to a safe area until it can be attended to. A fractured spine can be extremely painful. The animal will usually not be able to rise completely, and there may be no movement in the hind legs. With a less severe spinal fracture, an animal may be up and moving normally, or have a ‘swaying’ in its hindquarters. Loss of Consciousness Loss of consciousness may occur from a skull fracture, a brain hemorrhage, suffocation, drowning, shock or electrical shock. Until the animal can be attended to, make sure it is lying on its side and can breathe properly. Suffocation In vehicular accidents, suffocation may result from the piling of animals against the front, rear, or sides of a trailer. Roll-overs may result in the suffocation of animals on the bottom of the pile-up. Smoke inhalation in a fire will also suffocate an animal—even hours after a ‘successful’ rescue, due to lung damage. Remove live, mobile animals from the pile as soon as possible. Some of the animals underneath may recover. Do not attempt to revive those that do not recover on their own. Burns When animals have been exposed to fire or electric shock, then can have burns of varying degrees. Burns cause extreme pain. The greatest immediate danger with burns is shock, and later infection. After getting the animal to a safe zone and calming it, cool (not cold) water should be gently poured over the burned area for approximately 10-15 minutes. The burn should then be covered with a clean cloth and a veterinarian should treat the burn as soon as possible. When burns are extensive (covering most of the entire body), or severe (deep down to bones and muscles), a veterinarian should be called immediately. Page | 139 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Amputation In the case of an amputation, a veterinarian should be called immediately. Electric Shock Electric shock may result in shock, burns, fractures, or death. EUTHANASIA of LIVESTOCK: Cattle and Horses: Euthanasia—humane death that occurs without pain or distress. It is important to remember that animals are property, and are therefore owned . If an animal needs to be euthanized; this can only happen in one of these ways:  WITH THE CONSENT OF THE ANIMAL OWNER OR DESIGNATE  BY WAY OF A VETERINARIAN  BY THE OWNER OR DESIGNEE Proper procedure for euthanasia:  Allow animal to calm down if necessary.  The point between the eyes is not the proper point of entry.  The point of penetration is in the diagrams following.  A 22-caliber firearm is sufficient for most cattle and horses. The muzzle should be held approximately 2 inches from the point of entry, not flush with the skull.  Make sure the animal is dead before walking away from it. Check for vital signs—pulse, breathing, etc. An animal will ‘wiggle’ for 2-3 minutes following death. The following diagrams and information describe how to properly euthanize cattle and horses. To ensure euthanasia is performed properly it is very important to learn the appropriate point of penetration. Only a veterinarian or other extensively trained individual should perform euthanasia. Page | 140 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report EUTHANASIA GUIDELINES FOR CATTLE Introduction Severe illness and accidents involving livestock may happen at any time which may require the animal to be humanely destroyed including injuries in transit; severe injuries or illness on the farm, natural, man-made disasters (flood/fires) and road accidents. It is always best to seek assistance from a veterinarian when considering euthanasia. However, in some circumstances a veterinarian may not be readily available to assist in the evaluation and euthanasia of an animal. The aim of emergency euthanasia is to provide a quick and humane death to prevent or minimize suffering. Emergency euthanasia should be performed when there is an unacceptable delay in treating the animal that would perpetuate or significantly aggravate the condition. If you are in doubt about whether euthanasia is necessary, you should contact a licensed veterinarian. The 2013 Report of the American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia classifies barbiturate (injectable) euthanasia of ruminants as acceptable, and gunshot and penetrating captive bolts as conditionally acceptable. Only veterinarians have access to barbiturates. Penetrating captive bolt and gunshot are the two best options for emergency euthanasia available to non- veterinarians. Regardless of the method chosen, human and animal safety, logistics and verification of death are critical considerations. Indications for Emergency Euthanasia for Cattle:  Violent or self-destructive thrashing (is the animal a hazard to itself or others?)  Evidence of severe shock (animal is non-responsive to stimuli)  Abdominal contents or organs exposed  Open fracture of a long bone (leg bone below the shoulder or hip)  Animals with chronic and incurable conditions Calves and bulls require special consideration in selecting the proper method of euthanasia. Page | 141 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Euthanasia by Gunshot: This should only be performed by individuals well-trained in firearm use and safety, with an understanding of ricochet potential. Care must be taken to minimize danger to the operator, bystanders, and/or other animals. Advantages of a firearm are that it leads to instantaneous death, is inexpensive, and does not require physical contact with the animal. Death is caused by the direct destruction of the brain, inducing immediate unconsciousness, and permanent destruction of the cardiac and respiratory centers of the brain. Death should be confirmed within five minutes. ***Many cities have laws prohibiting the discharge of a firearm within city limits Be aware of local laws and ordinances. Firearms:  Handguns—calibers ranging from .32 to .45 fired within 1 to 2 feet are recommended for euthanasia of cattle.  Rifles—information indicates that .22 Magnum or larger caliber firearms provide higher muzzle energies and more consistent results when delivered to the proper anatomic site.  Shotguns—loaded with birdshot or slugs, they are appropriate from a distance of 1 to 2 yards. Preferred gauges are 20, 16, 12 with number six or larger birdshot or slugs are the best choices for euthanizing cattle. Ammunition: Solid-point lead bullets are preferable to hollow-point bullets because they are more likely to traverse the skull. Euthanasia by Captive Bolt: As with a gunshot, the penetrating captive bolt kills by physical destruction of the brain. A penetrating captive bolt gun can be used for euthanasia but must not be used as the sole method and must be followed with a secondary method such as exsanguination. Page | 142 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Placement and aim are the same as for a gunshot, except that the captive bolt gun must be firmly placed perpendicular against the animal’s head at the point of impact. Use of the method eliminate the potential for ricochet. Death should be confirmed within five minutes. The selection of the cartridge strength must be appropriate for the size of the animal; these vary among manufacturers; therefore, it is important to follow the specific manufacturer’s recommendations. To ensure maximum concussive power, routine cleaning and maintenance should be performed. Inadequate gun care can lead to poor performance requiring more than one shot to kill the animal. Care and caution should be used when handling a captive bolt gun to ensure human and animal safety. Logistics: When practical, choose a location where the carcass can be easily reached by removal equipment. Remember, livestock should be handled so that no unnecessary pain or suffering is imposed prior to euthanasia. Confirmation of death: Immediately following the shot the animal will collapse and may experience a period of intense muscle contraction (usually no longer than 20 seconds) followed by a period of relaxation and some poorly coordinated kicking or paddling movements. Absence of rhythmic breathing, heartbeat, or corneal reflex (to blink) confirm death. Touch the cornea to ensure no corneal reflex. The presence of any eye movement or blinking, at this point, should be viewed as evidence of sustained or recovering brain activity and should be dealt with by a repeat shot. Developed by the State of California, Department of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health and Food Safety Services, Animal Health Branch, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Office: (916) 900-5002 or visit the website at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/ Page | 143 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report EMERGENCY EUTHANASIA GUIDELINES FOR EQUINES Introduction Severe illness and accidents involving horses may happen at any time. Some situations such as trailer accidents, road accidents, natural or man-made disasters (flood/fires), catastrophic injury during competition, or on-farm disease outbreak or injury resulting in severe injury or illness of the animal may require humane euthanasia. However, in some circumstances a veterinarian may not be readily available to assist in the evaluation and euthanasia of an animal. The aim of emergency euthanasia is to provide a quick and humane death to prevent or minimize suffering. Emergency euthanasia should be performed when a delay in treating the animal would perpetuate or significantly aggravate the condition. If in doubt about the necessity of euthanasia immediately contact a licensed veterinarian. The 2013 Report of the American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia classifies barbiturate (injectable) euthanasia of equids as acceptable, and gunshot and penetrating captive bolts as conditionally acceptable. Only veterinarians have access and are licensed to use barbiturates. Penetrating captive bolt and gunshot are the only acceptable options for emergency euthanasia by non-veterinarians. Regardless of the method chosen, human and animal safety, logistics and verification of death are critical considerations. Indications for Emergency Euthanasia for Horses:  Violent or self-destructive thrashing causing the animal to be a hazard to itself or  others  Evidence of severe shock such as an animal that is non-responsive to stimuli  Exposure of abdominal contents or organs  Open fracture of along bone which includes the leg bones below the shoulder or hip  Animals with chronic and/or incurable conditions as evidenced by an animal demonstrating signs of severe pain or distress Page | 144 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Euthanasia by Gunshot: Gunshot euthanasia should only be attempted by individuals well-trained in firearm use and safety, and those who have an understanding of ricochet potential. Extreme care must be taken to minimize danger to the operator, bystanders, and/or other animals. Firearm euthanasia leads to instantaneous death due to the direct destruction of the brain, resulting in immediate unconsciousness and permanent destruction of the cardiac and respiratory centers of the brain. Death should be confirmed within five minutes. ***Many cities have laws prohibiting the discharge of a firearm within city limits. Be aware of local laws and ordinances. Euthanasia by Captive Bolt: The penetrating captive bolt euthanizes by physical destruction of the brain. Only a penetrating captive bolt gun can be used for euthanasia. A concussive captive bolt gun should never be used as it is not an effective means of euthanasia for horses. Placement and aim of the captive bolt is the same as described for a gunshot, except that the captive bolt gun must be firmly placed perpendicular against the animal’s head at the point of impact. Use of this method eliminates the potential for ricochet. Death should be confirmed within five minutes. The selection of the cartridge strength must be appropriate for the size of the animal. As strength varies among manufacturers, it is important to follow the specific manufacturers’ recommendations. To ensure maximum concussive power, routine cleaning and maintenance should be performed. Inadequate gun care can lead to poor performance requiring more than one shot to kill the animal. Care and caution should be used when handling a captive bolt fun to ensure human and animal safety. Page | 145 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Logistics: Whenever practical, choose a euthanasia location that is easily accessible for carcass removal equipment. Remember, horses should be handled so that no unnecessary pain or suffering is imposed prior to euthanasia. Confirmation of Death: Immediately following the gunshot or captive bolt euthanasia the animal will collapse and may experience a period of intense muscle contraction (usually no longer than 20 seconds) followed by a period of relaxation and some poorly coordinated kicking or paddling movements. Absence of rhythmic breathing, heartbeat, and corneal reflex (a blink) confirms death. Touch the cornea to ensure no corneal reflex. The presence of any eye movement or blinking, at this point, should be viewed as evidence of sustained or recovering brain activity and should be dealt with by a repeat shot. Developed by the State of California, Department of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health and Food Safety Services, Animal Health Branch, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Office: (916) 900-5002 or visit the website at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/ GUIDELINES FOR HUMANE KILLING OF CATTLE BY FIREARMS: Mature Cattle: The head should be secure in a chute of by halter and shank to a solid structure. Food can be placed in front of the animal. The firearm is held at right angles to the skull and aimed at a point 2/3 of the way up the forehead at a point intersecting imaginary lines drawn between the back of the ears and the corners of the eyes. (Figure 1 and 2) It may be easier to shoot slightly to the side of the ridge that runs down the center of the face. Page | 146 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Calves: Calves can be handled in the same manner as mature cattle but the aim of the firearm should be squarely on the mid-lines of the forehead slightly lower than the mature cattle (Figure 3). Source: Longair, J. (Al), Finley, G., Laniel, M-A, Mackay, C., Mould, K., Olfert, E.D., Rowsell, H., and Preston, A. 1991. Guidelines for euthanasia of animals by firearms. Can. Vet. J. 32: 724-726 December. GUIDELINES FOR HUMAN KILLING OF HORSES BY FIREARMS: The animal must be adequately restrained to ensure proper placement of the shot. The muzzle of the firearm must be placed close to the animal’s head, above the eyes, pointing in the required direction (Figure 1). The optimal distance from the muzzle to the head is 3 to 5 cms (1-2”). The bullet or shot should enter the skull at the point where imaginary lines crossing from each to the opposite ear intersect (Figure 2). The direction of the shot should be down towards the withers (Figure 1) Source: Longair, J. (Al), Finley, G., Laniel, M-A, Mackay, C., Mould, K., Olfert, E.D., Rowsell, H., and Preston, A. 1991. Guidelines for euthanasia of animals by firearms. Can. Vet. J. 32: 724-726 December. SMALL LIVESTOCK ANNEX: Sheep, Goats, and Pigs Reminder: The following lists general steps to guide action during a large or small animal vehicle overturn accident:  Immediately call 911 to report the accident. In the event that the driver is incapacitated, the first individuals at the scene should establish contact with the authorities.  Communicate any human injuries and indicate the type and estimated number of livestock involved in the accident to the authorities. Emergency warning devices e.g., pylons, warning lights, should be set out at the scene and appropriate company or farm personnel should then be notified. Attempt to herd/ corral any loose animals to prevent further accidents and/or traffic obstructions. Page | 147 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report If possible, work with first responders to free/ save any livestock trapped as part of the accident. Identify any compromised/ injured animals which may not be able to be transported humanely in accordance with Health of Animals Act XII Contact local veterinarians to determine whether there is a requirement to euthanize animals. Follow the direction veterinarians and emergency response authorities to close/ finalize the vehicle rollover incident. DO DON’T Set up containment before Do not remove animals from wrecked removing or releasing trailer until corralling, containment animals from trailer area for animals is established Relocate livestock from Do not yell, make abrupt or loud holding areas into new noises when handling animals as they trailers calmly may be easily spooked, causing them to be more difficult to handle. Do not use sirens or horns to herd livestock Obtain a head count on all Do not attempt to remove livestock livestock involved in the using machinery, equipment, ropes accident including but not /winches. Manual extraction tech- limited to healthy, injured, niques are safe and effective for and deceased livestock removing livestock Do not become a secondary victim at an accident. All safety protocols must be followed Behavior Characteristics of Ruminant Livestock
• CO7
  Ruminants have a natural herding instinct. They become distressed and agitated if they are separated from the rest of the herd.
• CO8
  They like to follow the leader.
• CO9
  They move in a circle around the pen or handler.
• CO10
  They are easily distracted by noises or sudden movements.
• CO11
  Shadows will cause livestock to balk.
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  They are creatures of habit and will remember bad experiences for up to a year. SHEEP A thorough understanding of sheep behavior is the first step towards developing an effective method of handling sheep. Their strong flocking and following behavior tends to make sheep easy to handle, relative to other livestock species. Conversely, sheep will prove difficult to handle if you force them to act in ways that are not natural for them. Flight zone One of the most basic concepts in handling sheep is the flight zone. All animals have a flight zone - an animal's personal space. It is where the animal feels comfortable and unthreatened. When a person is outside the animal's flight zone, the animal will turn and face the handler. It is best to work on the outside of an animal's flight zone. If the flight zone is penetrated too deeply, animal behavior can be unpredictable and dangerous. Sheep are not large, but they are quick on their feet and strong for their size. Pile-ups can result in small enclosures, causing injury to the animals, especially the small or weak ones. Sheep that have not had much human contact will have a large flight zone, whereas pet sheep may not have a flight zone. Sheep confined to a small space will have a smaller flight zone than sheep confined to a large area. Frequent, gentle handling tends to diminish the size of the flight zone. At the same time, sheep have excellent memories and can remember rough handling. Page | 149 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Point of balance Point of balance is another important sheep handling concept. The point of balance is at the animal's shoulder. All species of livestock will move forward if the handler steps behind the point of balance. They will back up if the handler stands in front of the point of balance. Many people make the mistake of standing in front of the point of balance while trying to get livestock to move forward through a chute. Sheep will usually refuse to move if they see people up ahead. Moving sheep Most sheep will come when they think they are going to get grain to eat. To move individual sheep, hold the sheep under its jaw and push its dock ("go-button"). If the sheep are halter-broken, moving and handling is relatively easy. Attempting to lead a sheep that is not halter-broken is usually a futile exercise. Although pet sheep are difficult to drive, they make good lead sheep. If the sheep aren't familiar with where responders want them to move, several people acting as herders may be needed. Always move sheep slowly, calmly, and quietly. Do not allow splinter groups to develop. Catching sheep In an overturn situation, responders may need to catch an individual sheep. Using gates and panels to make a small catch pen can be useful. Make the pen small enough so that you do not have to chase the sheep. The smaller the catch pen, the easier to catch the sheep. The more sheep are chased, the harder to catch them, not to mention the unnecessary stress affecting all parties. Once the sheep are in the catch pen, maneuver them into a corner and use your arms or a portable gate to form a visual barrier. Always approach sheep calmly and slowly. Cup your hand under the jaw of the sheep you want. Grab the bony part of the jaw, not the throat. Point the sheep's nose upward to stop its forward motion. If you keep the sheep's head up, you will be able to maintain control of it. Sheep have a lot more power when their head is down. You can also use a shepherd's crook to catch a sheep by the neck. Page | 150 2024-2025 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report If you cannot get close enough to the sheep to grab it under its jaw, you can reach for its hind leg or rear flank. Reach for the hind leg above the hock, then move your other hand up to control the head as soon as possible. Adult sheep are able to kick strongly, so this method works best for small sheep or young lambs. To catch an adult sheep, it is better to grab the rear flank. A leg crook can also be used to catch a sheep by the leg. The leg crook is especially useful in open areas. Never try to catch a sheep by its wool. Not only is that painful to the sheep, bruising of the carcass may result. Restraining sheep There are many different ways to restrain a sheep. Once you've caught the sheep, you can press it against a wall or straddle it to limit its movement. A halter is one of the easiest ways to restrain a sheep for treatment or transport. Tipping sheep If you want to gain access to its underside, you'll probably want to set the sheep on its rump. Setting a sheep on its rump is called “tipping.” Sheep in this position struggle very little and are easy to work with. To rest comfortably on its rump, the sheep should be off-center, so that it is sitting on its hip. If the sheep struggles, place a hand on its brisket to move it into a better position. There are several ways to tip a sheep, depending often upon the size of the sheep. Below is a common method for tipping sheep. How to tip a sheep

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