What is the legal status of captive bolt devices and other methods of horse euthanasia?

In South Carolina, the legal status of captive bolt devices and other methods of equine euthanasia is regulated by the Veterinary Practice Act. According to the Act, it is illegal to use any method of euthanasia that is not in accordance with either the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals or the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Guidelines for the Humane Euthanasia of Horses. Both the AVMA and AAEP guidelines state that euthanasia should be performed by a licensed veterinarian or appropriately trained personnel. The laws of South Carolina also state that only methods approved by the AVMA or AAEP may be used for the euthanasia of horses. These methods include, but are not limited to, injection of barbiturates, captive bolt devices, gunshot, and intraperitoneal injection of a concentrated anesthetic. It is the responsibility of the euthanizing individual to ensure that all laws are followed and that the method of euthanasia is humane and in accordance with the guidelines established by the AVMA and AAEP. In addition, the Veterinary Practice Act requires that all euthanized horses must be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian in order to confirm the cause of death and to ensure that the method of euthanasia was appropriate and humane. If the veterinarian does not find the euthanasia performed to be in accordance with the AVMA or AAEP guidelines, they may take legal action against the euthanizing individual for any violations of the Veterinary Practice Act.

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What is the legal status of captive bolt devices and other methods of horse euthanasia?

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