(1)(a) A warm-blooded animal, except one held as food for another animal, offered for sale, or obtained for sale by a pet shop may be euthanized only by administering sodium pentobarbital, a sodium pentobarbital derivative, or a substance or procedure which acts on the central nervous system and is clinically proven to be humane.
(b) A lethal solution must be administered in the following order of preference:
1. By intravenous injection by hypodermic needle;
2. By intraperitoneal injection by hypodermic needle;
3. By intracardial injection by hypodermic needle; or
4. By solution or powder added to food.
(2) An animal may be tranquilized with an approved, humane substance before euthanasia is performed.
(3) Succinylcholine chloride, curare, a curariform mixture, a substance which acts as a neuromuscular blocking agent, or a chamber which causes a change in body oxygen, except a chamber which uses commercially bottled carbon monoxide gas, may not be used on a warm-blooded animal.
(4)(a) Euthanasia must be performed by a licensed veterinarian or layperson who is humane and proficient in the method used.
(b) An animal may not be left unattended between the time euthanasia procedures are commenced and the time death occurs, nor may its body be disposed of until death is confirmed by a qualified person.
(5) The state attorney may bring an action to enjoin a violation of this section.
(6) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 1, ch. 91-29.