Albuquerque – Animal euthanasia rules are now available to the public and a date for a public hearing has been set.

The Animal Sheltering Services Board has made the proposed rules on animal shelter euthanasia services available for the public at http://www.rld.state.nm.us/AnimalSheltering/ruleslaw.html and invites the public to attend a hearing to discuss the rules on May 6, 2009 at the Gaming Control Board offices, 4900 Alameda Blvd. NE, in Albuquerque at 9 a.m.

Under the propo sed rules, the Board will regulate euthanasia agencies, euthanasia technicians and euthanasia instructors beginning July 1, 2009.  Under the proposed rules, euthanasia agencies and euthanasia providers will have 180 days to be licensed by the Board. The proposed rules contain the details of what will be involved with obtaining a license, information about what types of euthanasia procedures will be legal and what standards must be followed for performing euthanasia.

House Bills 265 and 593 were signed by Governor Richardson in April. HB 265 prohibits the use of the carbon monoxide chamber for the euthanasia of cats and dogs at the state’s animal shelters. HB 593 will make it easier for animal shelters to perform euthanasia by injection, pending federal Drug Enforcement Agency acceptance of the so-called “direct licensing” structure, by allowing the shelters to use licensed euthanasia technicians to obtain the necessary euthanasia drugs.

The board will meet after the public hearing to consider public testimony and finalize the rules.

The nine-member Animal Sheltering Services Board was created in 2007 when the New Mexico Legislature and Governor Richardson enacted the Animal Sheltering Services Act.  The board has a threefold mission: to regulate euthanasia services at s helters, to develop recommended operating and infrastructure standards for animal shelters, and to make recommendations for spay/neuter programs as a solution to companion animal overpopulation.

Additional information is available at http://www.rld.state.nm.us/AnimalSheltering/index.html .