N.J. Admin. Code § 8:23A-1.11

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 8:23A-1.11 - Euthanasia

(a) No animal being euthanized shall be allowed to make physical contact with another animal unless pretranquilized to the extent that they are not capable of aggressive actions dangerous to humans or animals.

(b) Where standard methods of restraint are impractical or impossible (such as zoo animals, animals in severe pain from trauma, or animals that are intractable for other reasons) or where manual capture and restraint may cause pain and injury through struggling and anxiety, the use of immobilizing drugs are acceptable, except neuromuscular blocking agents as determined by 4:22-1 et seq.

(c) The acceptable methods of euthanasia include the following:

1. The primary recommended method is an intravenous injection of a barbiturate; however, an intraperitoneal or intracardiac injection may be made where intravenous injection is impractical, as in the very small animal, or in the comatose animal with depressed vascular function. Intracardiac injection is acceptable only when performed on heavily sedated, anesthetized or comatose animals. The use of neuromuscular blocking agents, as determined by 4:22-19.3, is prohibited in the animal euthanasia process.

2. Administration of injectable solutions approved for use in dogs and cats.

3. Administration of inhalant anesthetics:

i. Ether, halothane, isoflurane, enflurane, or methoxyflurane may be used. Nitrous oxide shall only be used in conjunction with other inhalant anesthetics.

ii. Acceptable for small animals such as birds, rodents, and young cats and dogs. Not recommended for larger animals.

iii. Precautions shall be taken to protect personnel and other animals from inhalant anesthetic gases. Ether is flammable and explosive. Occupational exposure to inhalant anesthetics constitutes a human health hazard.

4. Intravenous injection of combinations of chloral hydrate, magnesium sulfate and pentobarbital is acceptable for large animals, such as horses.

(d) Methods not acceptable for euthanasia include the following:

1. Hydrogen cyanide gas;

2. Injection of chloral hydrate;

3. Injection of magnesium sulfate;

4. Strychnine in any form;

5. Injection of hydrocyanic acid;

6. Electrocution;

7. Shooting and captive bolt pistol;

8. Drowning;

9. Exsanguination;

10. Decompression chambers;

11. Nitrous oxide, when used as the sole euthanasia agent;

12. Chloroform;

13. Chambers using any gas that is not an anesthetic; or

14. Neuromuscular blocking agents.

(e) All persons administering animal euthanasia shall be a New Jersey licensed veterinarian or be certified by a licensed veterinarian in the acceptable euthanasia technique or techniques used at the facility, as delineated in (c) above, in compliance with N.J.A.C. 8:65. Such documentation shall state the euthanasia substances and techniques certified for use therewith, shall be signed by the certifying veterinarian, and shall be kept on file at the facility for inspection by State or local Health authorities.

(f) Facilities where euthanasia is performed shall:

1. Have and maintain the following equipment in working order:

i. A scale or scales sufficient to weigh all animals; and

ii. A stethoscope;

2. Post written instructions in the euthanasia area that include the dosages by weight in pounds of all euthanasia, immobilizing, and tranquilizing agents used at the facility;

3. Weigh all animals prior to administration of euthanasia, immobilizing, or tranquilizing agents.

i. Due to the aggressiveness and significant threat of bodily injury to staff by certain animals, individuals certified to perform euthanasia are allowed to estimate the weight of animals for administration of tranquilizing or immobilizing agents.

ii. Once tranquilized and/or immobilized, individuals certified to perform euthanasia must weigh the animal prior to euthanasia to calculate the proper dosage of euthanasia solution; and

4. Establish and maintain, in accordance with 8:23A-1.13, euthanasia records that contain the body weight and dosage of all euthanasia, immobilizing, and tranquilizing agents administered to each animal.

(g) After the administration of euthanasia agents to an animal, the person administering euthanasia shall assess each animal for the absence of a heartbeat by auscultation of the heart utilizing a stethoscope, establishment of the absence of a pulse and respiration, the absence of movement of the eyelid when the cornea is touched (corneal reflex) and checking for presence of maximum dilation of the pupils of the eyes.

1. The person administering euthanasia shall perform these assessments in combination at least five minutes apart until the person can definitively determine that the heart is no longer beating, to ensure that the animal is deceased prior to disposal.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:23A-1.11

Amended by R.1995 d.24, effective 1/17/1995.
See: 26 N.J.R. 4129(a), 27 N.J.R. 343(b).
Amended by R.2007 d.98, effective 4/16/2007.
See: 38 N.J.R. 4606(a), 39 N.J.R. 1474(a).
Added (f) and (g).