Comments sought for draft euthanasia guidelines

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The AVMA is seeking comments on a draft revision of the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia.

AVMA members can comment on any or all portions of the document, which is being posted in three parts June 15, July 1, and July 15. The AVMA will accept comments through Aug. 1.

Comments of up to 5,000 words can be submitted here, and longer comments and supporting documentation can be sent by email to the Animal Welfare Division at animalwelfareatavma [dot] org (animalwelfare). Recommendations for revisions should include citations from the scientific literature or verifiable data, and the AVMA is asking that those providing comments give specific suggestions.

More than 70 veterinarian experts and nonveterinarians worked on revising the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia over the past two years through the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia.

Dr. Steven L. Leary, chair of the Panel on Euthanasia, said the panel is pleased to offer the draft document for comments to help ensure its recommendations are accurate and practical.

"The panel has recognized the increased interest in humane treatment of animals in general, and euthanasia is an important component of that humane effort," Dr. Leary said. "The process defined by the Animal Welfare Committee for the 2011 euthanasia panel will produce a credible and well-referenced document that should provide practical guidance for veterinarians administering euthanasia."