NAC638.520. Injection of sodium pentobarbital; verification of death.

     1. If, within 30 seconds after an intravenous injection, 15 minutes after an intraperitoneal injection or 60 minutes after an oral administration of sodium pentobarbital, an animal demonstrates:

     (a) Consciousness;

     (b) Indications of breathing or a heartbeat;

     (c) Capillary response in the gums; or

     (d) Corneal or pupillary reflexes,

Ê the euthanasia technician shall administer another dose of sodium pentobarbital.

     2. The euthanasia technician may inject an animal with sodium pentobarbital if the animal is unconscious.

     3. To verify death, the euthanasia technician shall examine each animal and find:

     (a) Rigor mortis; or

     (b) Lack of heartbeat, respiration, pupillary reflex and corneal reflex.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Veterinary Med. Exam’rs, eff. 6-20-90; A by R091-06, 11-13-2006)