CHAPTER 6

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND CODE OF ETHICS

  Section 1. Standards for Euthanasia Area. The area used for euthanasia shall:

    (a) Be a room that is separated from the rest of the agency by a wall, barrier or other divider or an area that is not used for other purposes while an animal is being euthanized;

    (b) Have bright and even lighting;

    (c) Have adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of odors;

    (d) Have a table or work area where an animal can be handled while being euthanized;

    (e) Have the following materials in the area used for euthanasia:

      (i) OSHA approved first aid kit;

      (ii) At least one tourniquet;

      (iii) Control pole for handling dogs;

      (iv) Net or cat tongs for handling cats;

      (v) Squeeze cage

      (vi) Stethoscope

      (vii) Standard electric clippers

      (viii) An adequate supply of medical quality needles and syringes.

      (ix) OSHA approved eye wash station

      (x) Have holding cages/crates available to hold an animal while waiting for the drug to take effect;

      (xi) Have a cabinet, table or workbench where the drug, needle and syringe can be placed. This surface shall be separate from the area where the animal is being handled.

      (xii) Have all equipment in good working order and stored so that it does not create a safety hazard for the personnel.

  Section 2. Standards for the Handling of Euthanasia Drugs. All approved euthanasia drugs shall be prepared according to the manufacture's instructions.

    (a) All approved euthanasia drugs shall be stored according to DEA Regulations including but not limited to the following:

      (i) When no certified animal euthanasia technician is on duty or euthanasia is planned, proper storage shall consist of a locked metal storage cabinet or safe, which is securely attached to the building in which it is housed. The temperature and environment in the storage cabinet or safe shall be adequate to assure the proper keeping of the drugs.

      (ii) When a certified animal euthanasia technician is on duty and when animals are being euthanized throughout the workday, approved euthanasia drugs may be kept in a temporary storage cabinet. The cabinet shall be constructed of any strong material and shall be securely locked. The key shall only be available to certified animal euthanasia technicians;

    (b) Proper record keeping concerning approved euthanasia drugs shall include:

      (i) Shipment records showing receipt of the approved euthanasia drugs shall be maintained and include all information required by federal law, the date the shipment was received, the amount received, the source and the invoice number;

      (ii) Administration records showing the date an approved drug was administered, species of animal, dosage of drug administered for euthanasia and identification of the person who dispensed the approved drug. This information shall be recorded in a record book, which has sequentially numbered non-removable pages;

      (iii) Records of wastage shall be maintained and signed by the person administering the approved euthanasia drugs;

      (iv) A weekly record of the approved drugs on hand, less the amount withdrawn for application shall be maintained;

      (v) Disposal records of any expired or unwanted approved euthanasia drugs shall be maintained;

      (vi) All records shall be filed in chronological order and be kept for a period of three (3) years from the last calendar date on the record.

  Section 3. Carcass Disposal. All carcasses shall be stored and disposed of in a manner according to law and facility procedures.

  Section 4. Ethical Standards. The protection of the public health, safety and welfare and the best interest of the public shall be the primary guide in determining the appropriate professional conduct of persons whose activities are regulated by the Board. The following ethical standards are adopted and incorporated herein by the Board. Persons certified by the Board shall:

    (a) Abide by all local, county and state statutes/ordinances as they relate to the euthanasia and disposal of unwanted, sick, injured or dangerous animals.

    (b) Insure that all animals entrusted into their care for euthanasia are:

      (i) Treated in the appropriate humane manner.

      (ii) Euthanized in a humane manner consistent with current approved methods of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Humane Association, Humane Society of the United States, or National Animal Control Association.

    (c) Keep current on the latest approved methods of euthanasia.

    (d) Insure that all animals euthanized will be euthanized according to Board approved methods.

    (e) Insure that needless and undue suffering will be avoided when euthanizing an animal.

    (f) Insure that once the euthanasia is completed, the animal does in fact die. If additional euthanasia serum is needed to insure death, it shall be administered.

    (g) Abide by and follow the rules and regulations adopted and approved by the Wyoming Animal Euthanasia Certification board.