Wiktionary
vb. (present participle of pith English)
Wikipedia
Pithing is a technique used to immobilize or kill an animal by inserting a needle or metal rod into its brain.
It is regarded as a humane means of immobilizing small animals being observed in experiments, and while once common in commercial slaughtering is no longer practiced in some developed countries on animals intended for the human food supply due to the risks of embedded metal fragments and general spread of disease.
Current United States and European Union regulations prohibit importation of beef from cows pithed due to risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or "mad cow") disease. It is, however, encouraged for animals in emergency or specific disease control situations where the meat will not be consumed.
Usage examples of "pithing".
By now Wellearn was informed concerning the manner of pithing and breaking a briq, and therefore he exclaimed in amazement.
Northern Freeze, and despite expert pithing this beast, like its ancestors, would have preferred to follow a spoor promising food at the end of its journey.