DOG & CAT EUTHANASIA S.B. 354 (S-1):
FLOOR SUMMARY
Senate Bill 354 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
CONTENT
The bill would amend Public Act 287 of 1969 (which governs pet shops, dog pounds, and animal shelters) to specify that, beginning 60 days after the bill's effective date, euthanasia of a dog or cat that was physically located in an animal control shelter could be performed only by the injection of a commercially prepared solution as provided in Section 7333 of the Public Health Code.
(Under Section 7333 of the Public Health Code, an animal control or protection shelter registered with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development may acquire a limited permit only for the purpose of buying, possessing, and administering a commercially prepared, premixed solution of sodium pentobarbital to practice euthanasia on injured, sick, homeless, or unwanted domestic pets and other animals, if the shelter meets certain criteria.
Section 7333 contains similar provisions allowing an animal control or protection shelter to acquire a limited permit for the purpose of buying, possessing, and administering a commercially prepared solution of an animal tranquilizer to sedate a feral, wild, difficult to handle, or other animal for euthanasia.)
Proposed MCL 287.338b Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have a minimal fiscal impact on local government. According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, there are few counties that do not already use the euthanizing methods required under the bill. Those few counties could realize some additional costs in complying with the proposed requirement, in an amount that cannot be determined at this time.
In addition, those found in violation of the proposed requirement could be charged with a misdemeanor, which could increase court caseload and costs of incarceration and/or community supervision for local units.
Date Completed: 6-18-13 Fiscal Analyst: Bruce Baker
Dan O'Connor
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.