Received Monday as a response to
Euthanization Violations at the Lowndes County Animal Shelter. -jsq
There is no question how the Law reads; the only question is who indicated
there no wrong doing? And they were questioning my character? I
question those people who indicated I had a bios opinion to read the
laws of Georgia. I am aware you can mirror laws and even add to them
in county ordinances but you cannot take away from the law in anyway.
From the
United States Department of Agriculture Web Site on Euthanasia
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=AZ_INDEX
Under
Guidelines for Euthanasia
When
performing euthanasia
in a shelter
, each
individual animal must be treated with respect (AVMA 2007).
A veterinarian with the appropriate training and expertise for the
species involved should be consulted to ensure that proper procedures
are used. Any
euthanasia method used in a shelter must quickly induce loss of
consciousness followed by death, while ensuring the death is free
from pain, distress, anxiety or apprehension as possible.
The euthanasia method must be reliable, irreversible and compatible
with the species, age and health status of the animal (AVMA 2007).
Any agent
or method that is unacceptable according to the AVMA Guidelines on
Euthanasia is also unacceptable for use in shelters.
Offical
Code of Georgia
4-11-5.1.
Substances and procedures for euthanasia of dogs and cats by animal
shelters
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, 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:
(1)
Intravenous injection by
hypodermic needle;
(2)
Intraperitoneal
injection
by hypodermic needle; or
(3)
Intracardial
injection
by hypodermic needle.
(b)
Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Code section:
(1)
A chamber using commercially bottled carbon monoxide gas which was
used on July 1, 1990, for euthanasia of dogs and cats by any animal
shelter or other facility may continue to be used for such purposes
by such animal shelter or facility if such animal shelter or facility
notifies the Commissioner of Agriculture, in writing, on or before
August 1, 1990, that such a chamber was in use by such animal shelter
or facility on July 1, 1990.
However,
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 shall not
be permitted under any circumstances; and
(2)
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, but
succinylcholine chloride, curare, curariform mixtures, or any
substance which acts as a neuromuscular blocking agent may not be
used on a dog or cat in lieu of sodium pentobarbital for euthanasia
purposes.
(c)
In addition to the exceptions provided for in subsection (b) of this
Code section, 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.
(d)
A dog or cat may be tranquilized with an approved and humane
substance before euthanasia is performed.
(e)
Euthanasia shall be performed by a licensed veterinarian or physician
or a lay person who is properly trained in the proper and humane use
of a method of euthanasia. Such lay person shall perform euthanasia
under 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.
(f)
No dog or cat may be left unattended between the time 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.
(g)
The supervising veterinarian or physician 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 subsection (b) of this Code section and may limit
the quantity of possession of sodium pentobarbital and other drugs
authorized to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Code
section.
(h)
This Code section shall not apply to any animal shelter or other
facility located in a county having a population of 25,000 or less
according to the most recent United States decennial census.
IP
injections – 3cc/10 lbs, which means this animal was injected how?
You tell me!
Correct
me if I am wrong, but at the top of this sheet, to the right of the
date 5/20/2011 it clearly states the recommended dosage for body
weight, it does not state to save money or because the vet says so
that these animals can be euthanized with 0.5 cc’s, What it does
say is this “Any agent or
method that is unacceptable according to the AVMA Guidelines on
Euthanasia is also unacceptable for use in shelters.” It
reads no other way.
Susan
Leavens
