EUTHANASIA OF DOGS & CATS

House Bill 6042

Sponsor:  Rep. Rick Jones

House Bill 6043

Sponsor:  Rep. Fred Miller

Committee:  Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources

Complete to 4-28-10

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 6042-6043 AS INTRODUCED 4-13-10

The bills would make a lethal injection of sodium pentobarbital the only permissible method for euthanasia of a dog or cat under the control of an animal control shelter, an animal protection shelter, or a Class B dealer.  More specifically, the bills would require the use of a commercially-prepared solution as provided in Section 7333 of the Public Health Code (MCL 333.7333). 

·                    House Bill 6042 would amend the Public Health Code to make lethal injection the only allowable method for euthanizing a dog or cat under the control of a Class B dealer.  (MCL 333.7333b)

·                    House Bill 6043 would amend Public Act 287 of 1969 to make lethal injection the only allowable method for euthanizing a dog or cat under the control of an animal control shelter or animal protection shelter.  (MCL 287.338b)

Among other things, Section 7333 of the Public Health Code allows animal control shelters, animal protection shelters, and Class B dealers to acquire a limited permit from the Department of Community Health for the purpose of buying, possessing, and administering a commercially-prepared premixed solution of sodium pentobarbital (a controlled substance) to practice euthanasia on injured, sick, homeless, or unwanted domestic pets and other animals.  Any employee of a shelter or Class B dealer must have completed at least eight hours of training given by a licensed veterinarian to practice euthanasia using sodium pentobarbital. 

FISCAL IMPACT:

A fiscal analysis is in process. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   William E. Hamilton

Susan Frey

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.