citation_inspection: 3451

The written program of veterinary (PVC) care lacks guidance for the method of euthanasia. There is no specific guidance in the PVC for the method of euthanasia to be used by the facility, including its use, equipment, and personnel trained and authorized to perform the euthanasia for the various species. The PVC states that the method of euthanasia is carbon dioxide, but there are no details on its use at the facility by personnel. Specific guidance and training in the procedure for euthanasia by the attending veterinarian is required to ensure the animals are humanely euthanized according to the latest AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals (2013 edition). Additional specific guidance is required for the euthanasia section on the PVC. Failure to have specific, accurate guidance does not ensure that the attending veterinarian is aware of the current practices at the facility and also does not ensure the facility has accurate guidance to provide adequate veterinary care to the animals. Correct by developing and implementing a complete program of veterinary care that describes all methods of euthanasia used by facility personnel for animals covered under the Animal Welfare Act. Correct by July 14, 2016.