Euthanasia might have resulted in a painful death for many animals denied proper sedation, advocates say, but an emergency bill could end the suffering.
“The treatment of animals is part of our moral code, and it?s really important that we do this just because it?s the right thing to do and the right way to treatthese animals who have been mistreated all their lives,” said Del. Jon Cardin, D-Baltimore County, who introduced a bill allowing animal shelters to properly sedate pets that may be partially awake and suffering during euthanasia.
Due to glitches in the state?s controlled substance laws and a new federal policy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently rescinded drug permits that allowed animal shelters statewide to buy appropriate sedatives and tranquilizers for animals who are being euthanized, Cardin said.
As a result, shelters have not been allowed to use ketamine, the most effective sedative for animals undergoing euthanasia, because the drug was identified as a controlled substance six months ago.
Instead, shelters have been using less-effective drugs, such as the muscle relaxer xylazine, that leave the animals seemingly conscious and aware of pain, said Nicky Ratliff, executive director of Professional Animal Workers of Maryland.
In some cases, the animal may experience seizures and lash out at the person administering the drugs, she said.
“They could be suffering,” Ratliff said.
“The definition of euthanasia isa good death, and if you?re trying to provide a good death for an animal, you should do that at all costs.”
Because of the change in procedures, family members parting with a beloved pet are no longer allowed to stay with their pets as they are put to sleep, Cardin said.
The bill, co-sponsored by Democratic Anne Arundel Dels. Virginia Clagett and Pamela Beidle, would give animal shelters state authorization to access ketamine, Cardin said.
The bill would not apply to veterinarians and organizations, such as the Maryland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, that have private licenses allowing them to use ketamine, said Aileen Gabbey, executive director of the Maryland SPCA.
Some have said ketamine, known as “Special K,” could be misused by drug abusers or that animal control officers may be put in danger when carrying the drug, but Cardin said the federal departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services are working toprovide tight regulations and oversight.
Ratliff said an estimated 50,000 animals are euthanized each year in Maryland because they are unhealthy or lack homes.
