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us-gu · Through P.L. 38-133 (June 4, 2026)

9 GCA § 70.70: Euthanasia Procedures.

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Where this section sits in the code
  1. Title 9: Crimes and Corrections
  2. Chapter 70: Miscellaneous Crimes
  3. ARTICLE 1: PROTECTING ANIMAL WELFARE AND SAFETY (PAWS) ACT (PUGUA’S LAW)

(a) Unless otherwise authorized by law, sodium pentobarbital and such other agents as may be specifically approved by the Guam Board of Allied Health Examiners shall be the only methods used for euthanasia of an animal. A lethal solution shall be used in the following order of preference:

(1) intravenous injection by hypodermic needle;

(2) intraperitoneal injection by hypodermic needle;

(3) intracardial injection by hypodermic needle, but only if performed on heavily sedated, anesthetized, or comatose animals; or

(4) solution or powder added to food.

(b) An animal may be tranquilized with an approved and humane substance before euthanasia is performed.

(c) Succinylcholine chloride, curare, curariform mixtures, strychnine, nicotine, chloral hydrate, magnesium, potassium, or any substance which acts as a neuromuscular blocking agent, or any chamber which causes a change in body oxygen, may not be used on any animal for the purpose of euthanasia.

(d) Euthanasia shall be performed only by a licensed veterinarian, trained animal control officers, or an employee or agent, in accordance with § 121906 of Article 19, Part 2, Chapter 12, Title 10, Guam Code Annotated.

(e) An animal may not be left unattended between the time euthanasia procedures are first begun and the time that death occurs, and the animal’s body may not be disposed of until a licensed veterinarian, or person, as authorized by § 121906 of Article 19, Part 2, Chapter 12, Title 10, Guam Code Annotated, confirms death.

(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section or any other law to the contrary, whenever an emergency situation exists which requires the immediate euthanasia of a seriously injured, dangerous, or severely diseased animal, a peace officer or veterinarian may humanely destroy the animal.

(g) The remains of the euthanized animal shall be properly disposed of in accordance with Guam law.

(h) Any violation of this Section is a misdemeanor.

(i) Each act or omission in violation of this Section shall constitute a separate offense.

Collected 2026-09-27T02:49:48Z. Source file · JSON

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