126509-1:n:03/03/2011:FC/tan LRS2011-958
| SYNOPSIS: | Under existing law, the use of gas chambers is an authorized method of euthanasia for dogs and cats in animal shelters. |
| This bill would prohibit the use of gas chambers for the euthanasia of dogs and cats after December 31, 2011. |
To amend Section 34-29-131 of the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the euthanasia of dogs and cats in animal shelters; to prohibit the use of gas chambers for the euthanasia of dogs and cats; and to provide a delayed effective date.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. This act shall be known as "Beckham's Act."
Section 2. Section 34-29-131 of the Code of Alabama 1975, is amended to read as follows:§34-29-131.
"(a) The board may shall provide by rule that sodium pentobarbital, a sodium pentobarbital derivative, or other agent authorized injectable agents that acts act on the central nervous system shall be the only injectable agents for means of euthanasia of dogs and cats at facilities approved by the board that are operated for the collection and care of stray, neglected, abandoned, or unwanted dogs and cats.
"(b) The board shall promulgate rules providing for the use of carbon monoxide, CO, and inhalant anesthetics as an acceptable alternative to the injectable agents for individual animals or mass euthanasia in small animals other than dogs or cats. Rules shall include provisions for the type of chamber and gas used, training and inspection requirements, humane comfort of the animals, and safety precautions for personnel.
"(c) Euthanasia shall be performed only by a licensed veterinarian or an employee or agent of a facility approved by the board that is operated for the collection and care of stray, neglected, abandoned, or unwanted animals, provided the employee or agent has successfully completed a euthanasia technician certification course. The curriculum for the course shall be approved by the board and shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
"(1) The pharmacology, proper administration, and storage of euthanasia solutions.
"(2) Federal and state laws regulating the storage and accountability of scheduled drugs.
"(3) OSHA Safety and Material Safety Data Sheet Regulations.
"(4) Euthanasia stress management.
"(5) Proper disposal of euthanized animals.
"(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, a licensed veterinary technician, in accordance with Section 34-29-94, and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, who is an employee or agent of a licensed veterinarian or animal shelter as defined in Section 34-29-130, may perform euthanasia without completing the certification course required by subsection (c).
"(e) Within 30 days after January 1, 2012, any animal shelters operated for the collection and care of stray, neglected, abandoned, or unwanted animals, which operated a gas chamber prior to that date shall have dismantled and removed its gas chamber and shall provide documentation to that effect to the board."
Section 3. This act shall become effective on December 31, 2011.