does thought detract or add to physical pain and suffering? of course not. nerve endings are nerve endings.

if it is a quick, split second death, well, there could be the argument that the combined pain of a litter of unwanted kittens being killed in 3 seconds combined is less than the pain of spaying or neutering (depending on how its done) the would be parents.

but as i've grown up around farms i know how they typically work, especially in regards to animals.

"hit it with a shovel ma....oops, hyuk hyuk....i only broke its back legs....better hit it again...." or, "the dog will take care of them...."