Indications of Unconsciousness

Indications that an animal has been properly stunned (or rendered unconscious) would include the following observations:

  • Immediate collapse of the animal when the penetrating captive bolt is fired
  • No attempt of the animal to right itself following the stun
  • Body and muscles become immediately rigid after the shot, followed by varying degrees of involuntary movement of the limbs
  • Normal rhythmic breathing stops
  • The eyelids remain open with eyeballs facing straight ahead

At no time should one expect to hear vocalization as this would indicate that the animal is returning to sensibility.