Euthanasia procedures amended in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, TENN. — Non-livestock animals meant to be euthanized now must be held for three days, and those euthanized with intracardial injections must be heavily sedated, under a new state law.

The measure requires the three-day holding time except in emergency situations.

Sodium pentobarbital and similar agents approved by the state board of veterinary medicine are the only methods of euthanasia for non-livestock animals.

The preferred methods ranked under the law are intravenous injection by hypodermic needle, followed by an intraperitoneal injection, an intracardial injection and then a solution or powder added to food.