Sedation for Pets BEFORE Euthanasia Procedure Begins

A change needs to be made to Florida State Statute 828.058 section (2), regarding sedation of cats and dogs prior to euthanasia.

It currently reads, "A dog or cat may be tranquilized with an approved and humane substance before euthanasia is performed."

This statute needs revision in order to assure that our beloved pets do not suffer mercilessly prior to euthanasia - and worse, the "parents" they leave behind after experiencing a euthanasia (which literally means 'good death') without sedation prior to the procedure beginning.

You are correct to assume that I recently had such a horrific experience. Our vet of nearly 14 years did not sedate our precious Australian Shepherd, Oche, prior to beginning the procedure. He panicked, howled, tried to bite, knocked the port out of the vein and was simply terrified while we were shocked that what we had prepared for - a peaceful end to a joyful life - had become so violent. The vet called for his assistant to sedate Oche, and he was instantly asleep. That ended the horror for him, but only began ours.

What we have been left with is an overwhelming sense of grief, betrayal and anger. This is NOT how a euthanasia experience should be and nobody will ever have to go through this trauma if the statute is reworded.

I suggest: A dog or cat SHALL or MUST be tranquilized with an approved and humane substance before euthanasia is performed IF THE DOG OR CAT IS CONSCIOUS AT THE TIME OF THE PROCEDURE.

We owe our pets a humane ending. Our vets owe people a humane experience. If they cannot do this on their own, let's make it law.