Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 40-13-13-.08 - Euthanasia
(1) The use of
sodium pentobarbital or a derivative of it shall be the exclusive method for
euthanasia of dogs and cats by animal shelters or other facilities which are
operated for the collection and care of stray, neglected, abandoned, or
unwanted animals. A lethal solution shall be used in the following order of
preference:
(a) Intravenous injection by
hypodermic needle: Venipuncture of a superficial vein, preferably the cephalic
or lateral saphenous is the method to be used on all dogs and cats except for
the following:
1. Animals too small to
effectively perform a venipunture,
2. Intractable or dangerous animals,
or
3. Animals in which superficial
venous pressure is insufficient for effective venipuncture.
If venipuncture cannot be performed for one of the above reasons, then the following method may be used.
(b) Intraperitoneal injection by hypodermic
needle: Two to three times the recommended intravenous dosage should be
injected into the abdominal cavity through the midabdominal region.
Intraperitoneal injection may be the alternative method used for animals
described in (a)(1), (2), and (3) above. The time between injection and death
is not immediate as with intravenous injection, therefore, a proper amount of
time should be allowed for chemical absorption and action prior to an
alternative method being used.
(c)
If the dog or cat is unconscious, intracardial injection by hypodermic needle;
intracardial injection by thoracic cavity penetration is to be used on comatose
animals only.
(2) Under
no circumstance shall a chamber using commercially bottled carbon monoxide gas
or other lethal gas or a chamber which causes a change in body oxygen by means
of altering atmospheric pressure or which is connected to an internal
combustion engine and uses the engine exhaust for euthanasia purposes be
permitted.
(3) Notwithstanding
subsection (1) of this rule, any substance which is clinically proven to be as
humane as sodium pentobarbital and which has been officially recognized as such
by the American Veterinary Medical Association, may be used in lieu of sodium
pentobarbital to perform euthanasia on dogs and cats. Succinylcholine chloride,
curare, curariform mixtures, or any substance that acts as a neuromuscular
blocking agent may not be used on a dog or cat in lieu of sodium pentobarbital
for euthanasia purposes. The State Veterinarian will maintain a list of
approved inhalants and injectable solutions that may be used for humane
euthanasia.
(4) In cases of
extraordinary circumstance where the dog or cat poses an extreme risk or danger
to the veterinarian, physician, or lay person performing euthanasia, such
person shall be allowed the use of any other substance or procedure that is
humane to perform euthanasia on such dangerous dog or cat.
(5) A dog or cat may be tranquilized with an
approved and humane substance before euthanasia is performed.
(6) Euthanasia shall be performed by a
licensed veterinarian or physician or lay person who is properly trained in the
proper and humane use of a method of euthanasia. Euthanasia, which is performed
by a layperson, shall be observed by at least one other employee.
(7) A layperson performing euthanasia by
injection must be under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or
physician. This shall not be construed, so as to require, that a veterinarian
or physician be present at the time euthanasia is performed.
(8) A letter, stating which layperson(s) is
properly trained for a method of euthanasia shall be on file at the animal
shelter and with the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
(9) No dog or cat may be left unattended
between the times euthanasia procedures are first begun and the time death
occurs, nor may its body be disposed of until death is confirmed by a qualified
person.
(10) The supervising
veterinarian shall be subject to all record-keeping requirements and inspection
requirements of the State Board of Pharmacy pertaining to sodium pentobarbital
and other drugs authorized under paragraph (3) of this rule section and may
limit the quantity of possession of sodium pentobarbital and other authorized
drugs to ensure compliance with the provision of this Code section.
(11) Euthanasia records shall be kept on
forms approved by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the State Board of
Pharmacy and shall be signed by the person performing euthanasia and the
witness.
(12) Euthanasia records
shall be maintained for a period of one (1) year and shall be made available to
the Commissioner of Agriculture or his duly authorized representative for
inspection upon request.
(13) The
Animal Shelter must be registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration
prior to the storage of any controlled substance.
(14) The storage of any controlled substance
must be in an approved, secure safe or if a lockable storage container is used
it must be approved by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and be strictly
maintained under double lock and key.
(15) The Commissioner or his authorized agent
shall have the right to obtain a sample of the euthanasia agents for
analysis.
(16) Species other than
dogs and cats should be humanely euthanized by a method recommended by the
American Veterinary Medical Association, when such recommendation
exists.
Notes
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