New law could put sedative into hands of animal control workers

Baltimore, Md.

- A new law will allow animal control facilities to gain access to certain sedatives they need to do their jobs safely and humanely.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture's (MDA) State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (SBVME) and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) are developing emergency regulations to bring the law into practice as soon as possible.

The law authorizes the SBVME to issue licenses to animal control facilities, certifying that their employees who administer drugs to animals have obtained training on the proper use and administration.

Possession of this license will then enable animal shelter owners to apply to the Maryland Department of Health and Medical Hygiene (DHMH) for a registration certificate to purchase "controlled dangerous substances."

While animal control facilities have used these drugs for years for euthanizing animals, recent changes in federal regulations made it difficult for shelters to gain access to a humane drug.

This law will make it possible for facilities to gain access to the drugs.