EUTHANASIA OF DOGS & CATS
House Bill 6042 (Substitute H-4)
Sponsor: Rep. Rick Jones
House Bill 6043 (Substitute H-7)
Sponsor: Rep. Fred Miller
Committee: Agriculture
Revised Summary
Complete to 11-1-10
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILLS 6042-6043 AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE 9-22-10
The bills would make a lethal injection of commercially-prepared, premixed solution of sodium pentobarbital, as provided in Section 7333 of the Public Health Code, the only lawful way for an animal control shelter, an animal protection shelter, or a Class B animal dealer to euthanize a dog or cat under its control, as of January 1, 2012.
· House Bill 6042 would amend the Public Health Code to require Class B dealers to use this method when euthanizing a dog or cat. (MCL 333.7333b)
· House Bill 6043 would amend Public Act 287 of 1969 to require animal control shelters and animal protection shelters to use this method when euthanizing a dog or cat. This bill's requirements "do not apply to or prohibit the lawful killing or other use of an animal in farming or a generally accepted animal husbandry or farming practice involving livestock." (MCL 287.338b)
Under Section 7333 of the Public Health Code, shelters and dealers may get a limited permit from the Department of Community Health to use a commercially-prepared solution of sodium pentobarbital (a controlled substance) to euthanize animals. To administer sodium pentobarbital, employees must be trained by a licensed veterinarian. Class B dealers are animal dealers licensed by the federal and state departments of agriculture to buy animals from "random sources."
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bill 6042 has no fiscal implications for the Department of Community Health. An analysis of other potential impacts 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.