Model Law For Animal Euthanasia
We wrote last week that between 8 million to 12 million abandoned cats and dogs enter into shelters every year and will most will be destroyed.
animallaw.com is one of many proponents of the adoption of a model law for animal euthanasia.
The basics of the law follow:
Humane Euthanasia of Animals
"Sec. 1. Purpose
There is a wide disparity among shelters and their methods and application of euthanasia. Problems stemming from inadequate training, insufficient funding, indifference to animal suffering, and failure to recognize the need to change and update procedures, are found everywhere, from small rural shelters to large city facilities. There is an urgent need for a consensus on humane euthanasia of animals.
Sec. 2. Definitions
As used in this chapter :
(a) “Animal” means any bird, fish, reptile, or mammal other than man.
(b) “Euthanasia” literally means “good death”, and is usually interpreted to mean a quick, painless, and humane method of dying.
(c) “Euthanasia Agency” means an entity certified by the State for the purpose of animal euthanasia that holds an animal control facility or animal shelter license under the Animal Welfare Act. (d) “Euthanasia Drugs” means substances that are used by a euthanasia agency for the purpose of animal euthanasia.
(e) “Veterinary Technician” means a person employed by a euthanasia agency, veterinary agency, or shelter working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian and who is certified by the Department to administer euthanasia drugs to euthanize animals.
(f) “Veterinarian” means a person holding the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who is licensed with the State.
Sec. 3. Procedures for Euthanasia
(a) A warm-blooded animal may be euthanized only by administering sodium pentobarbital, a sodium pentobarbital derivative, or a substance or procedure, which acts on the central nervous system and is clinically proven to be humane. When euthanasia is accomplished by adding a lethal solution to water or food, adequate installations shall be provided for feeding and watering which are sufficiently enclosed in order to provide for protection from contamination by feces, uric acid, feathers, and any other debris.
(b) A lethal solution must be administered in the following order of preference:
1. By intravenous injection by hypodermic needle;
2. By intraperitoneal injection by hypodermic needle;
3. By intracardial injection by hypodermic needle; or
4. By solution or powder added to food.
(c) The animal shall be tranquilized with an approved, humane substance before euthanasia is performed.
(d) Euthanasia must be performed by a licensed veterinarian or a licensed or registered veterinary technician under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
(e) At least two people must be present for administration of an injection, one to hold the animal and one to perform the procedure.
(f) An animal may not be left unattended between the time euthanasia procedures are commenced and the time death occurs, nor may its body be disposed of until death is confirmed by a qualified person.
(g) This section
does not apply to an animal held as live food for another animal.
Sec. 4. Prohibited Methods
Succinylcholine chloride, curare, a curariform mixture, a substance which acts as a neuromuscular blocking agent, a chamber which causes a change in body oxygen, or a chamber which uses commercially bottled carbon monoxide gas may not be used on a warm-blooded animal.
Sec. 5. Penalties
(a) The State Attorney may bring an action to enjoin a violation of this section.
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in the applicable criminal code.
Contact your local and state legislators if you want to have this model law placed on the legislative books in your jurisdiction.
