16 Del. Admin. Code § 4501-10.0
Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 7, January 1, 2025
Section 4501-10.0 - Euthanasia in Animal Shelters10.1 Euthanasia shall be performed by a licensed veterinarian, a licensed veterinary technician, a nationally certified euthanasia technician, or a person certified by a licensed veterinarian as proficient to perform euthanasia (hereby referred to as certified euthanasia technician) after completion of the requirements outlined in Section 3.0. The certified euthanasia technician is only permitted to perform euthanasia on shelter animals within the animal shelter of which they are employed. No one other than the shelter or consulting veterinarian may perform euthanasia on privately owned animals.10.2 Standards for the euthanasia area in animal shelters 10.2.1 Each shelter shall have a specific area designated for euthanasia. That area shall be: 10.2.1.1 A separate room;10.2.1.2 An area that is physically separated from the rest of the facility by a wall, barrier or other divider; or10.2.1.3 An area that is not used for any other purpose while animals are being euthanized.10.2.2 The following information shall be kept in the euthanasia area:10.2.2.1 A written copy of the policy and procedure manual regarding euthanasia drafted by a licensed veterinarian of the shelter's choice;10.2.2.2 Response protocols for accidental exposure of humans to euthanasia drugs or pre-euthanasia anesthetics;10.2.2.3 Material Safety Data Sheets for euthanasia drugs and pre-euthanasia anesthetics; and10.2.2.4 Current copy of euthanasia reference manual issued by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Humane Association, or The Humane Society of the United States.10.2.3 The euthanasia area shall meet the following minimum standards:10.2.3.1 Shall provide a safe, quiet environment in which to perform euthanasia.10.2.3.2 Shall provide adequate space for 2 persons to perform euthanasia.10.2.3.3 Lighting shall be bright and even and provide adequate illumination for inspection and identification of animals, performance of euthanasia procedures, and safe working conditions for personnel.10.2.3.4 The air temperature shall be within a range of 65 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, a comfortable range for both personnel and animals.10.2.3.5 The area shall have adequate ventilation that prevents accumulation of odors.10.2.3.6 The floor of the area shall provide dry, non-slip footing to prevent accidents.10.2.3.7 The area shall be one that can be easily cleaned and disinfected.10.2.3.8 The area shall not be accessible to the public when euthanasia is being performed.10.2.4 The euthanasia area shall have the following equipment and supplies:10.2.4.1 A table or other work area where animals can be handled safely while euthanasia is performed.10.2.4.2 Holding cages of the appropriate size available to hold an animal while waiting for a pre-euthanasia anesthetic or euthanasia drug to take effect, if needed, should be easily accessible in or near the room. These cages shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. If these cages are in the euthanasia room, and occupied, no other animal may be euthanized at the same time pursuant to subsection 11.9.10.2.4.3 Variety of syringes and needles. Needles are to be used only once.10.2.4.4 A first aid kit.10.2.4.5 One or more tourniquets.10.2.4.6 Electric clippers with a number 40 blade in good working order.10.2.4.7 Humane restraint devices for use on dogs and cats.10.2.4.9 Towels, sponges and disinfectant.10.2.4.10 Sharps disposal system.10.2.4.11 Universal microchip scanner in good working order.10.2.4.12 Logbook to record animal ID, weight of animal, drug names and amounts utilized for the euthanasia procedure.10.2.5 All chemical agents, pre-euthanasia anesthetics, and euthanasia drugs used in the euthanasia area shall be clearly labeled, logged, and stored according to state and federal laws.10.3 Subsections 10.1 and 10.2 do not apply to livestock and horses, which may be euthanized in an outdoor environment.10.4 When deemed necessary due to severe injury or illness, and when it can be performed without risk to personal safety, humane euthanasia may be performed outdoors or in a transport vehicle if the animal is on shelter property.16 Del. Admin. Code § 4501-10.0
27 DE Reg. 530( 1/1/2024) (Final)