Assemblywoman Amy Paulin’s legislation (A.999B) to ensure that euthanasia of animals is performed in the most humane manner possible has been signed by Governor Paterson today and will take effect in a year.

Currently there is a wide disparity among shelters, animal clinics and veterinary hospitals about proper application of euthanasia – specifically that of euthanasia by intracardiac injection. Problems stemming from inadequate training of the injection are widespread throughout New York. Assemblywoman Paulin’s legislation solves this problem, and adds more humane protections to animals.

More than three years ago, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) asked Assemblywoman Paulin to sponsor legislation that would serve to prevent the kinds of unfortunate incidents that had been occurring throughout the state. The worries were echoed by local animal caregivers.

“When my veterinarian told me that euthanasia was not always a gentle way for animals to die, in fact, that if it is applied incorrectly, it could lead to excruciating pain in their final minutes of life, I knew we had to do something to change the legislation,” said Assemblywoman Paulin.

The legislation makes it illegal to have intracardiac euthanasia performed on a shelter animal by anyone other than a certified euthanasia technician, a licensed veterinarian, or a licensed veterinary technician. He or she must document the event and the reasons for it. The bill specifies that under no circumstance will intracardiac injection be performed on animals that are not heavily sedated, anesthetized or comatose.

“Not everyone charged with the task of administering intracardiac euthanasia has the training, scientific background and humane perspective required,” said Paulin’s Veterinarian Dr. Doug Aspros. “In the past few years, we've seen shocking cases of abuse across the country.”

Dr. Aspros is a past-president of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society, who supported the legislation. He is currently vice-chair of the Executive Board of the AVMA, and President of the Westchester County Board of Health. He is a partner at Bond Animal Hospital in White Plains, where Assemblywoman Paulin takes her dog for check-ups.

Working on the bill for 3 years, Assemblywoman Paulin consulted with both the American Veterinary Medical Association and the ASPCA to write a bill that addresses veterinarians’ needs, and the concerns of animal rights groups.

“We decided to take the national standard that many veterinarians have adopted for ethical reasons and make it into state law,” said Assemblywoman Paulin.

Assemblywoman Paulin’s bill also requires that any animal gas chambers in shelters located in the state be dismantled within 90 days of enactment. The legislation further specifies that no animal shall be left unattended between the time the euthanasia procedure begins and death is confirmed.

Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) sponsored the legislation in the Senate.

"The ASPCA recognizes the inevitable need for euthanasia as a last-step, end-of-the-road option to spare animals further hardship and suffering,” said Debora Bresch of the ASPCA. “We thank Assemblywoman Paulin and Sen. Oppenheimer for their tireless efforts to assure that animals receive humane treatment at the end of their lives and look forward to the day when euthanasia of unwanted animals is an infrequent occurrence."

Dr. Aspros agreed.

“Through the advocacy and vision of Amy Paulin, New York State has set a standard of safe and humane euthanasia of pets that should be a model for other states and jurisdictions,” he said.