Cetacean euthanasia: Addressing the strandings 'taboo'

Abstract

Live cetacean stranding response can include euthanasia decisions, which are influenced by multiple complex factors, such as interacting welfare, governance, logistical and sociocultural considerations. This study aimed to examine how euthanasia is conducted during cetacean strandings, identify barriers to its implementation, and explore potential improvements. To do this, we applied two methods: (1) an online survey (n = 48; 22 countries) and (2) an in‐person workshop (n = 30; 15 countries) to gain insight from stranding responders on how euthanasia is conducted at live stranding events. We used thematic analyses to investigate participant responses. Our findings indicate that effective euthanasia decision‐making during cetacean strandings depends fundamentally on national law, the availability of appropriately trained personnel, and suitable logistical resources (e.g., appropriate equipment and chemical agents), yet is frequently constrained by systemic governance fragmentation, uneven regional capacity, and inconsistent resource allocation. These structural and operational limitations can delay or complicate time‐sensitive animal welfare decisions. Strengthening national and regional stranding networks through sustained investment in training, resource provision, clear governance pathways, and coordinated information‐sharing is therefore essential to enable timely, consistent, transparent, and animal welfare‐centred outcomes, while also enhancing operational effectiveness and maintaining public confidence in live stranding response.