Answer: pithing

AnswerCrossword Clue
pithingdestroy the spinal cord or central nervous system of (as a frog) usually by passing a wire or needle up and down the vertebral canal
pithingto kill (as cattle) by piercing or severing the spinal cord
pithingPITH, to sever the central nervous system of
pithingremove the pith from (a plant stem)