Maine § 1042. - Euthanasia performed by licensed veterinarian or certified person

§ 1042.. Euthanasia performed by licensed veterinarian or certified person

The mandatory method of euthanasia of cats and dogs when conducted by a licensed veterinarian or a person certified under subsection 3 must be the administration of a barbiturate overdose. The mandatory method of euthanasia must be implemented according to the following methods and under the following conditions.   [PL 1995, c. 490, §27 (AMD).]

1.  Intravenous, intraperitoneal, intrathoracic or intracardial injection.  Intravenous, intraperitoneal, intrathoracic or intracardial injection of a lethal solution may be used.

2.  Use of undamaged hypodermic needle.  An undamaged hypodermic needle of a size suitable for the size and species of animal must be used.

3.  Administration by a licensed veterinarian.  Administration may only be by a licensed veterinarian or by a person trained for this purpose who is certified by the commissioner and subject to regular observation concerning continued efficiency. A person certified under this subsection may only euthanize animals that are vested to an animal shelter. A person certified to perform euthanasia may not euthanize an animal if, by performing that euthanasia, the person is in violation of Title 32, chapter 71-A.

4.  Euthanasia solution.  A licensed animal shelter having both a consulting veterinarian and a certified euthanasia technician may purchase, store and administer euthanasia solution for the euthanasia of cats, dogs and ferrets that are vested to the shelter, provided the purchase, storage and administration is in accordance with federal requirements. The director of the licensed animal shelter, as a veterinarian, a certified euthanasia technician or an agent of the certified euthanasia technician, is the only person with the authority to purchase euthanasia solution.