+1. Hey if they were at the end of their life then... do what you got to do (although I probably would not elect to pump them full of lead in the basement). I think this fella had a serious lack of judgment.
At any rate if they are old, suffering, and their time is "up".... a back yard, a last good bye, and a bump on the noggin with a hammer will do the job.
I apologize for being morbid (if this offends anyone).