(a) Unless otherwise authorized by law, sodium pentobarbital and such other agents as may be specifically approved by the rules of the Board of Veterinary Medicine shall be the only methods used for euthanasia of an animal. A lethal solution shall be used in the following order of preference:
(1) Intravenous injection by hypodermic needle;
(2) Intraperitoneal injection by hypodermic needle;
(3) Intracardial injection by hypodermic needle, but only if performed on heavily sedated, anesthetized or comatose animals; or
(4) Solution or powder added to food.
(b) An animal may be tranquilized with an approved and humane substance before euthanasia is performed.
(c) Succinylcholine chloride, curare, curariform mixtures, strychnine, nicotine, chloral hydrate, magnesium or potassium or any substance which acts as a neuromuscular blocking agent, or any chamber which causes a change in body oxygen may not be used on any animal for the purpose of euthanasia.
(d) Euthanasia shall be performed only by a licensed veterinarian, veterinarian medical technician or an employee or agent of a public or private agency, animal shelter or other animal care facility, provided that the veterinarian medical technician, employee or agent has successfully completed a euthanasia-technician certification course. The curriculum for such course must be approved by the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and must include, at a minimum, knowledge of animal anatomy, behavior and physiology; animal restraint and handling as it pertains to euthanasia; the pharmacology, proper dosages, administration techniques of euthanasia solution, verification of death techniques, laws regulating the storage, security and accountability of euthanasia solutions; euthanasia technician stress management and the proper disposal of euthanized animals.
(e) An animal may not be left unattended between the time euthanasia procedures
are first begun and the time that death occurs, nor may its body be disposed of until a qualified person confirms death.
(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or any other law to the contrary, whenever an emergency situation exists which requires the immediate euthanasia of an injured, dangerous or severely diseased animal, a peace officer, veterinarian, special humane agent, or the designee of such, may humanely destroy the animal.
(g) Any violation of this act is a misdemeanor in the first degree.
(h) Each act or omission in violation of this act shall constitute a separate offense.
(Ord. 2019-3. Passed 2-11-19.)