Captive bolt pistol

The bolt is actuated by a trigger pull and is propelled forward by compressed air, a spring mechanism, or by the discharge of a blank round ignited by a firing pin.

After striking a shallow but forceful blow on the forehead of the animal, spring tension causes the bolt to recoil back into the barrel.

The use of penetrating captive bolts has largely been discontinued in commercial situations in order to minimize the risk of transmission of disease.

[2] One disadvantage of this method is that brain matter is allowed to enter the blood stream, possibly contaminating other tissue with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, colloquially known as mad cow disease).

With cattle, goats, sheep, rabbits, and horses,[5] failure to adequately stun using a penetrating stunner can largely be attributed to incorrect positioning.

In Florida, the state holds bounties for invasive Burmese pythons and requires that they be dispatched "humanely", with a captive bolt pistol, firearm, or machete.

The report states this method of suicide is not uncommon in central European countries with less strict laws surrounding the possession and use of such tools.