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.