SECTION 775:10-8-19. Euthanasia by oral administration of denatured sodium pentobarbital; verification of death

(a)   Powdered denatured sodium pentobarbital or other drugs approved for euthanasia by the Board may be administered orally by mixing with food in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer or as approved by the Board to an animal that can be captured or restrained only with serious danger to human safety or when physical restraint would cause extreme anxiety and fear in the animal.

(b)   Adequate precautions must be taken to protect other animals and humans against accidental exposure to, or ingestion of, denatured sodium pentobarbital or other drugs approved for euthanasia by the Board.

(c)   Another dose of a euthanasia drug shall be administered, if, within 60 minutes after an oral administration of denatured sodium pentobarbital or other drug approved for euthanasia by the Board, the animal fails to demonstrate:

(1)   Loss of consciousness;

(2)   Absence of heartbeat and respiration; and

(3)   Lack of corneal and pupillary reflexes.

(d)   The additional dose of euthanasia drug may be administered by intravenous, intraperitoneal, or intracardiac injection, as appropriate to the size and level of consciousness of the animal, and in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Rule 775:10-8-17.

(e)   To verify death, each animal shall be examined and be found to have:

(1)   Absence of a heartbeat and respiration; and

(2)   Lack of corneal and pupillary reflexes.

[Source: Added at 18 Ok Reg 1379, eff 5-11-01]