BARNHART — The Jefferson County Animal Control Center kills
hundreds of animals a year without a veterinarian on site, an apparent
violation of state euthanasia laws.
Missouri law requires a veterinarian's "direct" or "immediate" supervision when controlled substances are used for euthanasia.
But that hasn't been the case for at least three years in Jefferson
County. A veterinarian acknowledged she supplied narcotics to the
facility but hasn't been there when animal control workers have used
them to euthanize animals.
"Until someone comes along and says we're wrong, then we'll change the
policy," said Animal Control Center manager James "J.T." Taylor.
Mike Boeger of the state's Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs said
that if animal shelter employees are using drugs illegally, that's
considered illegal distribution — a felony.
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hundreds of animals a year without a veterinarian on site, an apparent
violation of state euthanasia laws.
Missouri law requires a veterinarian's "direct" or "immediate" supervision when controlled substances are used for euthanasia.
But that hasn't been the case for at least three years in Jefferson
County. A veterinarian acknowledged she supplied narcotics to the
facility but hasn't been there when animal control workers have used
them to euthanize animals.
"Until someone comes along and says we're wrong, then we'll change the
policy," said Animal Control Center manager James "J.T." Taylor.
Mike Boeger of the state's Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs said
that if animal shelter employees are using drugs illegally, that's
considered illegal distribution — a felony.
Read More