RSPCA halts euthanasia drug use

The RSPCA has withdrawn pentobarbitone sodium (PBS) from any non-veterinary staff, while awaiting clarification on the current legal position on carrying and using the controlled drug.

The “precautionary measure” was taken in September, as part of a wider review of the Society’s euthanasia procedures.

According to the RSPCA, the change will mainly affect its inspectorate, who used PBS to euthanase animals in the field. Going forward, its inspectors will euthanase animals by another method, or contact a local practice and arrange for either transport of the animal to the clinic or for the veterinary surgeon to attend the scene.

Although it warns that this may result in an increase in the numbers of animals, particularly wildlife, presented at veterinary practices, the RSPCA is prepared to pay reasonable costs for the service and says that current procedures for obtaining recompense remain unchanged.

A final decision is expected to be made before the end of the year.