7/28/2020 11:14 am
Date / Time filed with the Register of Regulations
VA.R. Document Number: R____-______
Virginia Register Publication Information

Transmittal Sheet: Response to Petition for Rulemaking
Initial Agency Notice
X
Agency Decision
Promulgating Board: Board of Veterinary Medicine
Regulatory Coordinator: Elaine J. Yeatts

(804)367-4688

elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov
Agency Contact: Leslie L. Knachel

Executive Director

(804)597-4130

leslie.knachel@dhp.virginia.gov
Contact Address: Department of Health Professions

9960 Mayland Drive

Suite 300

Richmond, VA 23233
Chapter Affected:
18 vac 150 - 20: Regulations Governing the Practice of Veterinary Medicine
Statutory Authority: State: Chapter 38 of Title 54.1

Federal:
Date Petition Received 02/21/2020
Petitioner Jeffree Hudson
 Petitioner's Request
To amend regulations to require sedation of an animal to be euthanized.
 Agency Plan
The petition will be published on March 16, 2020 in the Register of Regulations and also posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov to receive public comment ending April 15, 2020. Following receipt of all comments on the petition to amend regulations, the Board will decide whether to make any changes to the regulatory language. This matter will be on the Board's agenda for its first meeting after the comment period, which is scheduled for July 28, 2020. The petitioner will be informed of its decision after that meeting.  
Publication Date 03/16/2020  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 04/15/2020
 Agency Decision
Take no action
Agency Response Date 07/28/2020
 Agency Decision Text
At its meeting on July 28, 2020, the Board reviewed copies of all comments on the petition, as well as copies of the directive from the VDACS and the State Veterinarian on euthanasia and the guidelines on euthanasia from the American Veterinary Medical Association. The Board acknowledged that veterinarians take very seriously their responsibility to animals and their owners to reduce suffering as humanely as possible. Veterinarians are expected to use their professional judgment in such situations. Owners who are concerned about the process may consult with the veterinarian about the euthanasia process and the possible need for sedation. The commenter noted the VDACS directive on euthanasia. According to that agency, shelters typically do sedate an animal because they use non-veterinarian staff for euthanasia, so there is no opportunity for professional judgment by a veterinarian as to whether sedation is advisable.