Oh, I can't do it myself. I kind of wish I could, but... I think there'd be times where I'd make the wrong decision. All I can do is take it the people who can despatch them quickly and efficiently. With finch virus, I know they won't make any efforts to try and save them.

I tried to hit an injured vole with a shovel once. It had been attacked by our stable cats and I stood over it, poised, trying to pluck up the courage. In the intervening time, it recovered and ran away! Ever since, I've not been convinced by my own judgement.

That's a horrible tale about the possum. I've experienced similar with frogs. I was on a job a few years back where a hedgerow was getting ripped up. There were dead frogs and toads, hideously injured frogs and toads, and all sorts. It was horrific.