Alabama sets new rules on shelter euthanasia

Senate Bill 172 was signed into law June 9 and orders that all gas chambers used for euthanasia in animal shelters be dismantled and removed 30 days from Jan. 1, 2012. Documentation of compliance must be provided to the Alabama veterinary board, according to the legislation. Sodium pentobarbital or other authorized injectable agents that act on the central nervous system will be the only means of euthanasia allowed on dogs and cats at facilities that collect and care for stray, neglected and abandoned animals. Rules will be drafted by the veterinary board for the use of carbon monoxide as an alternative to injectables for small animals other than cats and dogs or mass euthanasia. Euthanasia can only be performed by a licensed veterinarian or a board-approved agent, according to the new law.